Oyebanji Fires Up Judiciary With Fresh Appointment Amidst Power Vacuum
In a decisive move to uphold judicial continuity, Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has sworn in Justice Lekan Ogunmoye as the acting Chief Judge of the state. The development comes in the wake of the passing of the former Chief Judge, Justice Oyewole Adeyeye, whose death in November 2024 left a significant void in the state’s judiciary.
The swearing-in ceremony, held in Ado-Ekiti on Monday, saw the governor charge the new judicial head to maintain neutrality and resist political interference, insisting that the judiciary must remain a sacred temple of justice, unswayed by partisan interests.
Oyebanji, citing constitutional provisions, noted that the decision to appoint an acting Chief Judge was both urgent and necessary to avoid administrative stagnation. He described the late Justice Adeyeye as a man of integrity and compassion, whose contributions to the judiciary would be remembered with reverence.
Addressing the new appointee, Governor Oyebanji expressed confidence in Ogunmoye’s ability to steer the judiciary with professionalism and dignity. He urged him to lead with fairness, humility, and a deep commitment to judicial ethics.
In his acceptance speech, Justice Ogunmoye expressed gratitude for the opportunity and pledged to uphold justice without fear or favour. He also promised to fast-track judicial reforms and enhance collaboration with the executive to improve court operations and staff welfare.
The governor’s call for an apolitical judiciary signals a bold stance against the growing concerns of political meddling in Nigeria’s judicial system. His move has been met with cautious optimism by stakeholders who believe a truly independent judiciary is key to deepening democratic governance in the state.