Edo Governor Okpebholo Swears In Three Judges Months After Obaseki’s Rejection

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has officially sworn in three judges to the Edo State High Court, months after his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, denied their swearing-in. The newly appointed judges are Justices Ojo Osa, Okundamiya Jeff, and Edoghogho Eboigbe.

The three judges were part of eight candidates recommended and cleared by the National Judicial Council (NJC) last year. While five of the recommended judges were sworn in under Obaseki’s administration, the remaining three were not, leading to controversy. Obaseki’s administration had rejected the swearing-in of these three judges, a decision that sparked outcry and uncertainty within the state judiciary.

Governor Okpebholo had promised to address the issue in his inaugural speech, pledging to rectify what he described as a wrong committed by his predecessor. On Monday, during a ceremony at the Festival Hall of the Government House, Okpebholo made good on his promise by swearing in the three judges, fulfilling his commitment to ensuring fairness and transparency in the state’s judiciary.

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In his address, Okpebholo explained that despite the NJC’s recommendation of the judges 11 months ago, only five had been sworn in under Obaseki’s administration. He stated that no individual should be discriminated against or excluded for personal reasons, including the absence of political connections. The governor urged the newly sworn-in judges to maintain high standards of integrity, ensure fair and impartial justice, and protect the rights of citizens.

Ojo Osa, speaking on behalf of the other judges, expressed gratitude to the governor for the opportunity to serve. She thanked the governor for making their swearing-in possible just three weeks into his tenure, acknowledging the swift action taken to correct the previous administration’s oversight.