Strive for excellence, justice, Oyo CJ urges new customary court presidents

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko

Oyo State Chief Judge, Justice Iyabo Yerima, on Tuesday, urged Presidents of Grade A Customary Courts in the state to always strive for excellence in their pursuit of justice.

Yerima stated this during the swearing-in of the eight newly-appointed presidents of Grade A customary courts in Ibadan.

She enjoined them to always be abreast of legal developments, attend continuing legal education and engage in other meaningful professional development.

“As presidents of Grade A customary courts, you serve as the first legal filter to cases coming from the customary courts, given the fact that you are legal practitioners who have firm grasp of the law.

“You must, therefore, exercise your authority with fairness, impartiality, honour and utmost integrity.

“Remember that the scales of justice are balanced and it is your duty to ensure that they remain so by treating each case with utmost consideration, regardless of its magnitude.

“Each decision you make has the potential to impact the lives of those involved and it is your responsibility to uphold the principles of justice,” she said.

The chief judge also called on the new appointees to act with utmost professionalism, respect and dignity, both inside and outside the courtrooms.

She advised them to foster a spirit of congeniality and collaboration among their colleagues, legal practitioners and judges.

According to Yerima, the pursuit of justice is a collective effort, adding that by working together, all stakeholders can better serve the interests of communities and ensure a fair, efficient judicial system.

“Wherever you are posted to, you are bound to report there and work from Monday to Friday. We will not tolerate laziness; we expect you to work diligently.

“With these appointments, I am confident that the judicial arm of government will be many steps closer to responding adequately to its statutory responsibilities to satisfy the common man.

“This will go a long way to fast track the dispensation of justice, thus ensuring that justice is not only done but seen as done to all and sundry, especially at the grassroots.

"All hands in the judiciary are on deck and we are committed to promoting a high level of excellence always,” she said.

Also speaking, Oyo State Commissioner for Justice, Mr Biodun Aikomo, urged the new court presidents to count themselves lucky to be appointed.

Aikomo called on them to ensure that they tackled justice right from the grassroots, for a better society.

A representative of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan branch, Mrs Ganiyat Sanni, urged the newly-appointed presidents not to be intimidated by anyone but maintain integrity in their pursuit of justice.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the newly-appointed customary court presidents included: Mr Olorunfemi Owoyemi, Mr Hassan Adejumobi, Mrs Christianah Awoyemi and Mrs Owosemi Eniola.

Others were: Mrs Sukurat Yusuf, Mrs Eniola Adebusumi, Mrs Mariam Oladepo and Mrs Esther Olanrewaju. (NAN)