In a decisive move to uphold judicial fairness, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State will today, December 2, 2024, swear in three High Court Judges-designate who were excluded by the previous administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The ceremony will take place at 1:00 PM at the State Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Benin City.
The judges—Ojo Maureen Osa, Godwin Jeff Okundamiya, and Edoghogho Eboigbe—were part of eight candidates approved by the National Judicial Council (NJC) in June 2023.
Despite their clearance, they were conspicuously left out during Obaseki’s swearing-in ceremony in May 2024, raising concerns about bias and favoritism in the judicial appointment process.
Governor Okpebholo’s decision to include the excluded judges underscored his administration’s commitment to restoring the integrity of the judiciary and ensuring that political interference does not undermine the rule of law.
Secretary to the State, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Government, praised the Governor’s action, stating, “This move reflects a commitment to justice, fairness, and the strengthening of the judiciary’s independence.”
The swearing-in marks a turning point in Edo’s judicial system, reinforcing the message that judicial appointments must be based on merit, not politics, and signaling a renewed era of transparency and impartiality.