On Thursday, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu swore in 13 new judges for the State High Courts, emphasizing the need for the judiciary to maintain high standards and compete globally. He urged the judiciary, especially the newly appointed judges, to deliver justice swiftly and fairly, acting with integrity and impartiality.
During the swearing-in ceremony at the Lagos House in Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu highlighted the importance of reflecting the highest standards of impartiality, compassion, ethical behavior, and excellence, traits that the Lagos judiciary is known for across Nigeria. The new judges, comprised of seven men and six women, are expected to uphold these values.
The newly appointed judges are Justices Fimisola Azeez, Alfred George, Olayinka Ojuromi, Yewande Badejo-Okusanya, Adenike Shonubi, Oyeladun Olayinka, Tunde Sunmomu, Musiliu Adewale, Adegboyega Balogun, Tanimola Anjorin-Ajose, Olawale Alebiosu, Abdul-Raheem Muyideen, and Oluwatosin Popoola. They were selected from a pool of 300 applicants through a rigorous examination process conducted by the Nigeria Judicial Council.
Sanwo-Olu noted that since the beginning of his administration in 2019, 37 judges have been appointed, demonstrating his government’s commitment to enhancing the judicial system to better serve the citizens. He encouraged the new judges to be fair and uphold the rule of law, ensuring that the judiciary in Lagos continues to build on its record of excellence and further improve its standards.
Sanwo-Olu said the swearing-in of the new judges “serves as a powerful reminder of the pivotal role our judiciary plays in upholding justice, fairness, and the rule of law. This ceremony is far more than a formality; it is a reaffirmation of our dedication to maintaining a judicial system that stands as a beacon of integrity and excellence.
“Lagos State Judiciary cannot afford to rest on its laurels. It must continue to work diligently to ensure ongoing success. The judicial service in Lagos is comparable to the judicial system in any part of the world. The justice system remains at the global level. We must try to compete globally by improving our judicial system.”
Speaking earlier, the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, urged the newly appointed judges to be professional in their conduct, noting that the new appointment they have taken demands everything in them and from them.
He said: “The office you have come to take demands everything in you; from you and you must be resilient. You must be ready to hit the ground running. All of you have done exceedingly well, which is why you were appointed. You must shun corruption like a plague.
“I will not interfere in your affairs at all times. Be hardworking, and resilient; you have not learned anything, you have just begun to learn. Petitions will come your way. The petition will be your baptism of fire.”
Alogba also commended the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration for the cordial relationship between the three arms of government, particularly between the executive and the judiciary.
He praised Sanwo-Olu for understanding the independence of the judiciary, which is one of the reasons why the Lagos judiciary is accorded high respect in the country.
The Chief Judge of Lagos State also appealed to families, friends, and associates of the new judges not to interfere in the conduct of their jobs or put undue pressure on them for the judges to be able to discharge their duties without fear or favour.
Also speaking, Lagos State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Lawal Pedro, noted that the Sanwo-Olu’s administration recognises the people’s desire for a justice system that works.
Speaking on behalf of the new judges, Justice Fimisola Azeez, thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Government for finding her and others worthy to serve as judges of the High Court in Lagos State.
Azeez, who also appreciated the National Judicial Council (NJC) for recommending them to the Lagos State Government as judges, promised that they would abide by the constitution, enact laws, and their oaths of office in the dispensation of justice.
