The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Monday swore in five new judges into the bench of the Ekiti State High Court.
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The new judges are Justices Olanike Adegoke, formerly the Chief Registrar of Ekiti State High Court; Bamidele Bamise, formerly Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice; Julius Ajibare, formerly Director of Public Prosecution; Stephen Akinyede; and Adefunke Anoma, formerly a chief magistrate.
Oyebanji, speaking while swearing in the new judges, cautioned their friends and associates against attempting to curry unnecessary favour that could disrupt justice from them through corruptive influence and undue pressures.
The governor said it was necessary to ensure that all the necessary human and material resources were made available at all times “for there to be an efficient, effective, accessible, impartial and reliable dispensation of justice that can guarantee peace, order and sustainable development”.
He said, “With the addition of the five new judges, I am doubly convinced that the Ekiti Judiciary is strengthened, reenergized, and repositioned for better, effective, and timely dispensation of justice.
“As our state continues to expand in every aspect of socioeconomic indices, our courts have also correspondingly witnessed an increasing volume of cases. This increase is a reflection of the improving sociopolitical maturity of our society, expanding commercial activities, and the rising confidence of the citizens in the judicial process.
“While this is commendable, it has also placed considerable demands on our serving judges. This appointment and swearing-in of the new judges today is, therefore, both timely and strategic. As they assume duty, they will complement the dedicated efforts of those already on the Bench and, by extension, help decongest court dockets and expedite the dispensation of justice.”
Oyebanji, who said that the five judges were appointed based on merit following a recommendation to the National Judicial Council and the council’s approval, congratulated them on their well-deserved appointment.
He said, “I want to also extend this greeting to the Judiciary, families and friends of the new judges. I appeal to friends and associates not to become clogs on the wheel of justice through corruptive influence and undue pressures.”
Speaking earlier, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Dayo Apata SAN, outlined reforms aimed at strengthening the judiciary, including the amendment of relevant laws to increase the statutory number of High Court judges.
The AG stressed that the state executive did not interfere in the affairs of the judiciary, describing it as one of the administration’s greatest achievements in upholding the principle of separation of powers and safeguarding judicial independence.
Apata, who described the appointments as a morale booster for legal officers in the Ministry of Justice, reaffirmed the ministry’s gratitude and support for the governor’s administration.
Justice Olanike Adegoke, who spoke on behalf of her colleagues, expressed appreciation to the state government and the judiciary for the confidence reposed in them, pledging unwavering commitment to justice and constitutional duties.
She described the appointment as a call to service and a solemn responsibility to uphold the constitution, adding, “Fortified by our oaths, we affirm our commitment to uphold the constitution and administer justice without fear or favour, affection or ill will.”
Justice Adegoke assured that the new judges would remain fair, independent, and impartial in the discharge of their duties, ensuring that justice was served to all at all times.
Recall that the NJC in January approved the appointment of the five lawyers as judges.
NJC Deputy Director, Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, had in a statement said the decision was taken at the 110th meeting of the Council held on January 13, 2026, under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
Their appointments formed part of the Council’s approval of 27 candidates as judges of the state High Court across seven states, following a rigorous screening process that included public complaints consideration and interviews conducted by a seven-member Interview Committee, in line with the 2023 Revised NJC Guidelines and Procedural Rules for the Appointment of Judicial Officers.
Besides Ekiti State, the NJC also approved High Court judges for Borno (6), Plateau (6), Niger (4), Delta (4), Benue (1), and Taraba (1) states.
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