By Ademola Orunbon, Abeokuta
In order to enhance the dispensation of justice at the grassroots, the Ogun State Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, has sworn-in the President of the state’s Customary Court (Legal), Mr. Idowu Folami Sodimu, and 32 members.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony at the Ceremonial Court Hall, Judiciary Complex, Kobape Road, Abeokuta, Justice Dipeolu implored the judges to resist the temptation of abusing judicial powers in the course of dispensation of justice.
She said the appointment was based on trust and confidence reposed in them.
While administering the oath of office to the newly appointed members, they were urged not to be carried away with enormous powers which various laws have conferred on them and in the discharge of their duties.
She stated that the appointees had special roles to play towards ensuring that justice was delivered at all times, to further improve the standard of the Judiciary, pointing out that government would not tolerate misconduct or indiscipline of any form within their ranks.
According to the Chief Judge, “As members of Customary Court that have been administered under oath, you have to be good ambassadors of each jurisdiction you represent because you are closer to the grassroots. Do not collect bribes and fear God in all your dealings’’.
In her remarks, the Acting President, Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Adebisi Femi-Segun, said the appointees had been screened and appointed, in line with laid down procedure which was in accordance with the provisions of section 197(1)(c), 202 and 204 of the constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999), the Customary Courts Law of Ogun State 2006 (as amended), as well as Ogun State Judicial Service Commission Guidelines.
Justice Femi-Segun, who charged the appointees to bring their experiences to bear in the discharge of duties, said ethics, decorum and comportment should be observed in their new office, urging them to be faithful to the Oath of Office and impartial in the delivery of justice in their jurisdictions.
“Indeed, you are expected to observe the ethics, decorum and comportment of your new office. It is also expected that you will be faithful to your Oath of Office and dispense justice without fear or favour, as you adjudicate cases assigned to you, please same will not be tolerated in any form or guise.
Responding, one of the appointees, Mrs. Aderonke Jacobs appreciated the state government for allowing them to serve the state, promising to discharge their duties in accordance with the rule of laws and dispense justice without fear or favour.