Abiodun inaugurates five new judges

......approves 100% increase in judges' rental allowances

Ifedayo Adeniyi

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has inaugurated two Judges into the State High Court and three into the State Customary Court of Appeal.

At the inauguration ceremony, which took place at Obas Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun disclosed that government has approved an increase in judges' rental allowances from 100 percent to 200 percent of their basic salary.

He added that a memo to provide for extra allowances for all judges to enhance their performance, would be soon forwarded to the State Executive Council.

The new five judges are Justices Adewole Adeyemi and Safrat Bello for the State High Court and Justices Philip Akinsinde, Olukemi Osisanya and Idowu Odugbesan, for the State Customary Court of Appeal.

According to the governor, "we will continue to appreciate the enormous work of our Judges. We don't want them to be compromised, that is why we will continue to look after their welfare.

He said, "the judiciary is the last bastion of hope of the common man. It is the balancing between the legislature and the executive. Judges are also  the pivotal wheels which the civilised societies stand", he noted.

He said the state was blessed with men and women of exceptional qualities whose contribution to the socio-economic development of the state and nation was not in doubt, adding that the appointment of the five new judges was a unique milestone in the history of the State as it was done to preserve the existing legacies left behind by the state founding fathers.

The governor, who noted that the hallmark of any administration was the availability of men and women of high quality, expressed hope that the culture and tradition of integrity, honesty and hardwork would be enhanced with the appointment the five Judges.

While calling for mutual respect among the three arms of governments, Abiodun assured that his administration would continue to implement policies and and programmes that would reposition the judiciary for optimal performance.

Speaking on COVID 19 vaccination, the governor appealed to the people who are yet to to be vaccinated to do so, while those who had received the two jab should get the booster jab, as Omicron variant of COVID-19 was spreading at an alarming speed.

Responding on behalf of other judges, Justice Adewole Adeyemi appreciated the governor for finding them worthy of the position, assuring that they would do their best to make the state Judiciary to continue to be the best in the country.