In a bid to enhance the efficiency of the state judiciary, the Oyo State Chief Judge, Iyabo Yerima, administered the oath of office to 15 newly appointed magistrates. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Oyo State High Court premises in Ring Road, Ibadan.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Judge Yerima emphasized the pressing need to address the shortage of magistrates in the state. Currently, only 19 magistrates preside over various magistrates’ courts across all magisterial districts, often leading to one magistrate handling multiple districts.

The appointment of the new magistrates is expected to alleviate this shortfall and enable the judiciary to fulfill its statutory responsibilities more effectively. Chief Judge Yerima expressed confidence that with the addition of qualified legal practitioners, the judicial arm of government would be better equipped to deliver justice to all citizens.

In her charge to the newly appointed magistrates, Chief Judge Yerima urged them to carry out their duties with fairness, impartiality, honor, and integrity. The aim is to ensure that justice is not only served but also perceived as being served to all members of society.

The new magistrates are Adebola Adedoyin, Olasumbo Kudirat, Raji Oluwaferanmi Ayomide, Adelabu Olajumoke Victoria, Rufus Adeoluwa, Ige Oladipupo, Jimoh Kazeem, Amin Aminat, Adebiyi Aderemi, Atanda Moyosore, Fasasi Kabirat, Oladele Gladys, Ayanfe Kaosarat, Tolani Sofiat, and Marcus Omolara.

Prominent attendees at the event included Evelyn Akintunde, the permanent secretary in the state Ministry of Justice, as well as several serving and retired judges.

With these new appointments, the Oyo State judiciary is poised to strengthen its capacity to deliver justice promptly and efficiently to the people of the state.

(NAN)