Ogun gets new magistrates

The Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Olatokunbo Olopade has sworn in three new Magistrates to ensure the smooth administration of justice in the state.

The new Magistrates, who were sworn in last week, are Sotayo Sotunde Seni, Orekoya Ibukun-Oluwa and Olusanya Oluseyi.

Speaking at the ceremony held in her office, Justice Olopade said the appointment of the magistrates was aimed at reinforcing the magistracy and to bring quick and fair justice closer to the people in the state.

Justice Olopade noted that the appointments were made as a result of painstaking exercise of recruiting new magistrates to complement the efforts of a formidable team of Magistrates and Jurists in the state in accordance with the high standard for which the Ogun state Judiciary was known for.

She noted that the judiciary under her close supervision frowns at actions that could bring disrepute to the sector and the state in general.

She emphasised that she would not condone any acts of misconduct such as negligence of duty, truancy and favouritism.

She charged the appointees to uphold the ethics of the profession in the course of discharging their statutory responsibilities to the society and make self-discipline their watchword.

“I enjoin you all to always uphold the ethics of the legal profession, always and should make self-discipline your watchword. Moreover, I want you to join this administration in making Ogun State Judiciary a Cathedral of Justice, truly independent, transparent, committed to upholding the rule of law, equity and restoring hope to all manner of men”, Justice Olopade said.

She enjoined the appointees to engage in thorough research before writing judgments, exhibit respect to the Bar and litigants, as well as caution and control their temper when provoked.

The CJ said the new Magistrate would be attached to Chief Magistrates for one month’s tutelage, while they are expected to start court sitting on October 12, this year.

Presenting the new Magistrates, the Chief Registrar, Mr. Olusola Oloyede, described the occasion as unique as the state Judicial Service Commission (JSC) found the lawyers worthy of the appointment both in learning and character.

Responding on behalf of other appointees, Mr. Sotayo Sotunde Seni said it was a rare privilege accorded them, promising that they would discharged their duties without fear or favour.