Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has urged the Acting Chief Judge, Justice Adebola Adepele Ojo, to promote justice at all times.
He spoke yesterday in Osogbo, the state capital, at the swearing in of the Acting CJ.
Speaking on the oath, Aregbesola said: “Some have taken this oath with levity and to their eternal regret. We are not unaware of the development where retribution has come to judges who violated their oath.
“The quest for justice is the central pursuit of every man, which is why the court has been described as a bulwark of the people. If a place is peaceful and progressive, it is because justice is dispensed unhindered there.
“I urge the Acting CJ to promote substantive justice over technicality. I urge her to let justice roll down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.
“The CJ, under oath, has pledged an affirmation of oneness with the universe in the pursuit of the universal purpose. With this oath, we expect her to deliver justice untainted and without inducement, in satisfaction of the universal purpose and in accordance with the laws of the land.
“It is a universal principle and it is scientifically established that the amount of peace and prosperity in a place is directly proportional to the justice obtained in that society.
“One of the reasons there are so many problems in this country is because there is so much injustice in the land, including electoral injustice. We must all work for the enthronement of justice.
“The need to promote justice is paramount to our administration because ours is a direct beneficiary of justice in its undiluted form. I will not cease to let people know that I am a beneficiary of justice. I am here today directing the affairs of our state because justice came our way through the God-fearing judges of the Ibadan Court of Appeal.
“Why then won’t I promote justice? If justice is good for me, it is also good for others. However, we all have roles to play in the administration of justice. In our little corner, we must strive to enthrone justice and eschew all forms of injustice.”
Aregbesola described Justice Ojo as a God-fearing judge, who has paid her dues. He said he is confident that she will discharge her duties creditably well.
Justice Ojo pledged to be fair in her duties and called for the support of stakeholders.
She said: “The task before us is to remain steadfast on the path of justice. I promise our people that with the oath I took, I will promote justice and equality.
“I urge all lovers of justice to support and cooperate with me, so that we can succeed in the enthronement of justice in the state.”
