In a dramatic turn of events, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has fulfilled a long-awaited promise to swear in three judges who were overlooked by former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The three judges—Ojo Maureen Osa, Okundamiya Godwin Jeff, and Edoghogho Eboigbe—were among eight individuals recommended by the National Judicial Council (NJC) for appointment to the state’s high court.
However, when the Obaseki-led administration took office, only five of the recommended judges were inaugurated, leaving the trio in limbo. This delay raised questions about fairness and transparency in the state’s judicial appointments.
In a move to address the oversight, Governor Okpebholo officially swore in the three judges on Monday in a ceremony held in Benin City. This step comes nearly a year after the NJC’s recommendation in May 2024, ensuring that all the candidates cleared by the NJC finally take their rightful place in the state judiciary.
“I had promised to look into the case, and today presents the privilege to right the wrong,” Governor Okpebholo said during the swearing-in ceremony. His statement reflects a deep commitment to restoring justice and fairness in Edo’s governance.
The delay in the appointment had sparked controversy, especially as the former governor’s administration had not provided a clear explanation for the omission of the three judges. Governor Okpebholo did not mince words as he expressed his disapproval of the decision to exclude the three.
“Eleven months after the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC), only five of those recommended were sworn-in as judges by the immediate past administration, leaving out three, even when they had all been cleared and recommended by the same NJC,” Okpebholo pointed out.
The governor emphasized that no one should face discrimination or marginalization based on personal reasons or political affiliations. This sentiment underpins the governor’s focus on equity and fairness in his administration.
Okpebholo’s remarks highlight the importance of maintaining a judiciary that is independent and free from political influence. As he took office in November 2024, he had stressed the significance of the judiciary within the framework of the separation of powers.
“The judiciary is critical to the administration of justice in the state. As a Governor, I recognize the role of the judiciary in upholding citizens’ rights, resolving disputes, and ensuring that justice is served without fear or favor,” Okpebholo asserted.
The newly sworn-in judges, Ojo Maureen Osa, Okundamiya Godwin Jeff, and Edoghogho Eboigbe, now hold the responsibility of maintaining high standards of conduct in their judicial roles.
Osa, speaking on behalf of the others, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Governor Okpebholo for giving them the opportunity to serve the people of Edo State.
“We promise to dispense justice impartially, without fear or favor,” Osa said, echoing the governor’s call for a fair and just judicial system.
The event marks a significant moment in Okpebholo’s efforts to restore public confidence in the state’s judicial appointments, particularly after the controversy surrounding the previous administration.
