Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has faulted the immediate past administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki for what he described as an “injustice” to the judiciary, following the failure to inaugurate three judges who had long been cleared by the National Judicial Council (NJC).
Speaking on Thursday in Benin City while hosting members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benin Branch, along with the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the forthcoming NBA National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, Okpebholo said the previous government’s refusal to swear in the judges was a “slap on the face of the judiciary.”
> “We are in government to make a real difference, a visible difference that the Edo people can feel,” the governor declared.
“Our government will not repeat the errors of the past. The decision of the former administration to deny the three judges their rightful swearing-in, despite NJC clearance, was a great disservice to justice.”
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Okpebholo had sworn in the three judges on December 2, 2024 — less than a month after assuming office.
The governor revealed that he personally reviewed the issue before taking office and found no justification for the delay or denial.
> “I discovered that these judges excelled in their qualifying examinations and had no blemish whatsoever. I saw no reason why they were denied,” he said. “Justice delayed is justice denied, and I could not allow such an injustice to persist.”
Okpebholo said his decision to act swiftly was meant to “rewrite the wrongs of the past and restore confidence in the judiciary,” reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening the rule of law and deepening judicial independence in Edo State.
He commended the NBA for its consistent advocacy for justice and promised continued partnership between the state government and the Bar. He also announced plans to provide operational vehicles to aid the association’s engagements across the state.
In his remarks, Chairman of the NBA Benin Branch, Mr. Idemudia Iredia-Osifo, lauded the governor for his decisive reforms, including the reinstatement of the previously scrapped Customary Court of Appeal and the prompt swearing-in of the judges ignored by the former administration.
> “Your Excellency, your decision to swear in the three judges ignored by the former administration demonstrates courage and respect for the rule of law,” Iredia-Osifo said.
“We also commend you for your focus on security. Insecurity is a global concern, and you have shown the will to make Edo safer for its people.”
He further announced that the NBA would hold a Land Administration Seminar on November 5, which will examine the governor’s powers under the Land Use Act, review community land practices, and offer policy recommendations to the state government.
> “We look forward to a continued partnership with your administration in strengthening justice delivery and promoting fairness,” he added.
NAN
