The Chief Judge of Ogun, Justice Olatokunbo Olopade, on Monday swore-in nine legal practitioners as presidents of Grade 1 Customary Court and nine new magistrates in the state.
Conducting the ceremony at the state High Court in Isabo, Abeokuta, Olopade said the appointments were imperative to aid the speedy dispensation of justice.
“It is noteworthy that the presidents of Grade 1 Customary Courts being sworn in today are the pioneer set in the history of Ogun State consequent upon the amendment to the customary courts law of Ogun.
“Only lay persons were adjudicating over cases in the customary courts and lawyers were not allowed to appear before them.
“We are making history today as nine distinguished legal practitioners will take up the seat of the president in nine Grade 1 Customary Courts across the state,” she said.
She noted that three Grade 1 Customary Courts will be in each of the senatorial district of the state which include Ake, Owode- Egba and Wasimi under Ogun Central
“Others are Aiyeope, Ijebu-Igbo and Sagamu (Ogun East) and Ota, Ilaro and Idiroko (Ogun West), ‘’ she said.
Olopade urged the presidents to put in their best in the development of the Customary Courts, saying that “as legal practitioners, a lot is expected of you in terms of integrity, uprightness and hard work.’’
She advised the new appointees to be fair, adding that they should embrace the judicial code of conduct and mediate on it always.
Olapade also urged the new magistrates to always uphold the ethics of the profession and make self-discipline their watchword, adding that they should discharge their duties without pressure, favouritism and undue influence.
“I want you all to know that you are joining a formidable team of magistrates and jurists, you cannot afford to be non-performers,” Olopade said.
Three males and six females were sworn in as presidents of Customary Court while two males and seven females were named as new magistrates.
Mrs Adeniji Adenine and Mrs Afolabi Adekemi, who responded on behalf of their colleagues, thanked the Chief Judge for her support and gave an assurance that they would not disappoint the state in dispensing justice. (NAN)
