On Monday, in a significant development for the Oyo State Judiciary, Chief Judge Justice Iyabo Yerima presided over the swearing-in of 15 new Magistrates.
The ceremony took place at the State High Court premises in Ring Road, Ibadan. During the event, Justice Yerima emphasized that the addition of these new Magistrates would greatly enhance the Judiciary’s performance.
Over time, the Oyo State Magistracy had faced challenges due to a shortage of magistrates. At present, there were only 19 magistrates assigned to preside over the various Magistrates’ Courts, which were spread across all the magisterial districts within the state.
This shortage sometimes led to certain magistrates handling multiple magisterial districts simultaneously.
However, with the induction of the 15 new Magistrates, Justice Yerima expressed her optimism that the situation would soon improve.
The appointment of these magistrates marked a positive step towards addressing the shortfall and would likely lead to a more efficient and effective judiciary in Oyo State.
“With the appointment of more qualified legal practitioners as magistrates, I am confident to state that the judicial arm of government will be many steps closer to responding adequately to its statutory responsibilities aggressively.
“This will ensure that justice is not only done but seen as done to all and sundry,” she said.
The chief judge charged the newly appointed magistrates to exercise their authority with fairness, impartiality, honor, and utmost integrity.
“You have the power to shape lives and communities through the decisions you make; with this power comes even greater responsibility.
“Remember that the scales of justice are balanced, and it’s your duty to ensure that they remain so,” Yerima said.
The new magistrates are: Adebola Adedoyin, Olasumbo Kudirat, Raji Oluwaferanmi Ayomide, Adelabu Olajumoke Victoria, Rufus Adeoluwa, Ige Oladipupo and Jimoh Kazeem.
Others are, Amin Aminat, Adebiyi Aderemi, Atanda Moyosore, Fasasi Kabirat, Oladele Gladys, Ayanfe Kaosarat, Tolani Sofiat and Macus Omolara.
Dignitaries present at the event include the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Mrs Evelyn Akintunde, as well as serving and retired judges.
