From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has sworn-in Hon. Justice Adekanye Ogunmoye, as the sixth substantive Chief Judge of the state.
Justice Ogunmoye had served as the Acting Chief Judge since November 5, 2024, after he was appointed to replace the late Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Oyewole Adeyeye, who passed on November 4th, 2024.
The Governor performed the ceremony at the Conference Hall, Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti, capital of the state, on Monday.
The oath of allegiance and judicial oath was administered by Mrs C. O. Adegoke.
Delivering his speech, the Governor congratulated Justice Ogunmoye with a charge to sustain the reputation of the judiciary and raise the institution to a higher standard.
The Governor said, “Today’s occasion is yet another significant event in the judicial and democratic journey of our dear State. It is with deep respect that we gather here to witness the swearing-in of the sixth substantive Chief Judge of the Ekiti State High Court in the history of Ekiti State, His Lordship, Hon. Justice Adekanye Lekan Ogunmoye.
“On behalf of the government and people of Ekiti State, I congratulate your Lordship on your well-deserved elevation.The position of Chief Judge is not a mere title—it is a sacred trust.”
“The judiciary is the last hope of the common man because is the institution that guarantees the equality of all before the majesty of the Law. The institution must therefore, be guided, not by sentiment, fear, or favoritism, but by the Constitution and the dictates of the Law.
As the most sacred, conservative and apolitical arm of Government, the Judiciary must be manned by persons of unimpeachable integrity, profound legal knowledge and astute administrative capability. These qualities therefore place upon the occupier of this exalted position, a sacred duty to uphold justice at all times regardless of whose interest is involved.
“I therefore implore Your Lordship to be guided by a sense of duty flowing from your years of experience beginning as a State Counsel, and later the Solicitor-General of Ekiti State and much later a Judge of the High Court. It is delightful that one can attest to your unblemished record as a Judge of the High Court for nearly two decades and your eighth months in acting capacity as Chief Judge.
” The Ekiti State judiciary has a great reputation, one of excellence and dignity. This is a heritage we are proud of, and one we must protect and advance. I therefore, wish to say that there is more to be done in order to continuously raise the bar and to ensure prompt and efficient service delivery that meet global standards.
“Your Lordship, history will judge you not by the accolades you receive today, but by the legacy you leave behind after your tour of duty. In this position, courage and integrity must be your constant companions. Let it be said in years to come that under your leadership, the judiciary of Ekiti State reached a higher standard—one that ensured justice for all, regardless of status, gender, or circumstance.
” It is therefore my hope that under your leadership, our judicial officers will continue to make Ekiti State Judiciary a beacon of excellent example. I encourage you to carry out your duties with utmost integrity and fear of God.
Together, we will continue to build a greater State where justice and peace shall reign.
” As the Executive arm of government, we reaffirm our commitment to the independence of the judiciary. We will continue to support judicial reforms, provide resources for improved infrastructure, and promote initiatives that will enhance the delivery of justice across the state.
” I will also appeal to all Stakeholders in the justice sector to continue to give your full support and cooperation to the judiciary. I am sure that with the cooperation of all stakeholders, our judiciary will make more progress and all challenges will be tackled head-on. As we move forward, let us all — the Executive, the Legislature, the Judiciary, and the Citizenry — work together in the spirit of mutual respect and shared purpose, to build an Ekiti where justice is not only done but is seen to be done.
“On this note, I once again congratulate Your Lordship on this well-deserved elevation. May your tenure be marked by wisdom, fairness, and unwavering commitment to the ideals of justice and may the almighty God continue to guide you as you begin this noble journey.”
Earlier in his opening remarks, Ekiti State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Dayo Apata (SAN), who commended Governor Oyebanji for his unwavering commitment to due process and the rule of law, said the Governor has continually demonstrated respect for independence of the judiciary
Mr Apata, who explained that the appointment of the new Chief Judge as the substantive Chief Judge was in compliance with the provision of law, stated that the Governor acted in accordance with the law, which empowers the State Governor to appoint a Chief Judge on the recommendation of the National Judiciary Council and subjected to the confirmation of the State House of Assembly.
Responding, the new Chief Judge, Justice Ogunmoye, who expressed his gratitude to the Governor for the confidence reposed in him, acknowledged the Governor’s commitment to the independence and growth of the judiciary and promised not to betray the trust of the government and the people of the state.
Justice Ogunmoye stated that his vision for the Ekiti State Judiciary is to fully embrace digital transformation in order to enhance efficiency and speed in the administration of justice, stressing that his goal is to modernise court process through technology, making judicial service more accessible to the public while ensuring greater transparency and accountability across all levels of the judiciary
Justice Ogunmoye said, “Mr governor has spoken about the expectations of the judiciary. It is a common saying, that the Executive has the power of cohesion, the Legislature has the power of repulse and the Judiciary relies on public confidence.
“The only way the Judiciary can sustain that confidence is to be transparent,
accountable, efficient and receptive.
“My focus as the Chief Judge is about the Judiciary that is accessible, accountable, transparent and efficient.
“In that wise, I have the vision to have a digitalised judiciary, we can’t do anything in the judiciary without going digital which will ensure the success of our assignments.
“Also, my vision is to improve on the infrastructure on ground. Identified challenges include, technological deficiency and infrastructure deficits, issue of transparency. We all know lack of transparency breeds lack of trust.
“Once the system is corrupt, the integrity will be corrupted. So, our focus is to ensure that we have a judiciary that is transparent and corrupt-free.”
Present at the event were, President, Ekiti State Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Toyin Abodunde, Representatives of Chief Judge of Ondo State, Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Folakemi Olomojobi, and Past Heads of Service.
Others were, Hon. Justice JBK Aladejana, Hon. Justice Olusegun Ogunyemi, Hon. Justice AA Adeleye,
Hon. Justice Ogundana, Hon. Justice Omotoso, Hon. Justice Obafemi Fasanmi, Hon. Justice Lekan Olatawura, Hon. Justice Oluboyede, Hon. Justice Johnson Apuabi, Hon. Justice Ajileye,
Hon. Justice LB Ojo, Hon. Justice Adegboye, Hon Justice Ogundele and other Judges.
Also in attendance were, members of the State House of Assembly, members of the State Executice Council, members of the State Judiciary, Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, Olomuo of Omuo-Ekiti, Oba Noah Omonigbehin, Olupole of Ipole-Iloro, Oba Ezekiel Oladele, among others.