The new chief judge of Ondo State, Justice Lekan Ogunmoye has been sworn on Monday at the conference hall of the Governor’s office in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.
Penpushing reports that it is recalled that Ogunmoye started in acting capacity on November 5, 2024 following the demise of his predecessor, Justice Oyewole Adeyeye, however, he was ratified by the Ekiti State House of Assembly on July 13, 2025, following last month’s recommendation by the National Judicial Council (NJC).
The Governor, Biodun Oyebanji speaking at inauguration urged Ogunmoye to uphold justice with courage, integrity, and a strong sense of duty, describing the judiciary as being the last hope of the common man.
Penpushing further reports that he affirmed his administration’s continued support for the judiciary, by prioritising the welfare of its members, and giving the new chief judge all the required support to execute his duties.
The Governor while acknowledging the long-standing reputation of excellence and dignity of the state’s judiciary, emphasised the need to preserve this heritage, and urged the new judge to continuously raise the bar of excellence and ensure a prompt and efficient service delivery which meets global standards.
“The position of a Chief Judge is not a mere title; it is a sacred trust. The judiciary is the last hope of the common man because of the institution that guarantees the equality of all before the majesty of the Law’, he said.
‘The institution must, therefore, be guided, not by sentiment, fear, or favoritism, but by the constitution and the dictates of the law. 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’, Oyebanji added
Penpushing also reports that the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of the state, Dayo Apata, in his remarks commended the governor for his commitment to due process and the rule of law in the state.
The Attorney-General, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) pointed out that the appointment of the new chief judge complied with all necessary legal provisions.
Penpushing reports that the new chef judge in his response, expressed gratitude to the Governor for the confidence reposed in him, and acknowledged his commitment to the independence and growth of the judiciary, just as he pledged to justify the trust of the government and the people of the state.
The new chief judge emphasized that his vision for the Ondo state’s judiciary is to fully embrace digital transformation and enhance efficiency and speed in justice delivery.
Penpushing further reports that in attendance at the ceremony include members of the judges, heads of service, members of the State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, members of the judiciary, among others.
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