Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has made a decisive move by swearing in three judges previously rejected by his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, despite their recommendation by the National Judicial Council (NJC). The official ceremony, held at the Government House in Benin City on Monday, marked a significant moment in Edo’s judicial history.

Governor Okpebholo urged the newly appointed judges—Ojo Maureen Osa, Okundamiya Godwin Jeff, and Edoghogho Eboigbe—to uphold integrity, protect citizens’ rights, and ensure justice is served without bias. Highlighting the judiciary’s vital role in democracy, he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening judicial independence in Edo State.

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“I made a promise during my swearing-in to address this issue. Today, we are here to right this wrong,” Okpebholo stated, referencing the NJC’s June 2023 recommendation of eight individuals for judicial appointments. While five judges were sworn in by the previous administration, the remaining three were inexplicably left out.

Justice Ojo Maureen Osa, speaking on behalf of her colleagues, expressed gratitude to the governor for rectifying the oversight. She pledged their collective commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring fair justice for all. “We promise to serve with integrity, without fear or favor,” she said, while also offering prayers for a successful tenure for Governor Okpebholo’s administration.