Ogun Swears In Magistrates, Pioneer Presidents Of Customary Courts

 The Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Olatokunbo Olopade, has sworn-in nine Magistrates and Presidents of Grade 1 Customary Courts, with a charge on them to always uphold the ethics of the profession, while making self- discipline their watchword, in the discharge of their duties.

          Justice Olopade who performed the swearing-in at the High Court Complex, Abeokuta, said the Presidents of Grade 1 Customary Courts being sworn-in are the Pioneer set in the history of Ogun State, following Amendments to the Customary Courts Laws of Ogun State, following the approval by the State government, to appoint new Magistrates and Presidents of Grade 1 Customary Courts.

           “As Pioneers, I charge you to put in your very best in the development of the Customary Courts in our dear State, and as Legal Practitioners, a lot is expected of you in term of integrity, uprightness and hard work. To the new appointees, I advise that in all your dealings with counsels, parties and even witnesses appearing before you, you must always  have in mind, the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers, show courtesy, be firm and never discriminate against anybody you have cause to administer Justice over.

          I enjoin you to always uphold the ethics of your profession and make self discipline your watchword as this administration would continue to maintain zero tolerance for corruption and corrupt practices”, Olopade emphasized.

           The Chief Judge said those sworn- in were appointed, based on their outstanding performances at both the written examinations and oral interviews, calling on them to bring their wealth of experience to bear on justice delivery in the State.

          Responding on behalf of the newly sworn-in Magistrates, Mrs. Afolabi Rafiat, appreciated the State government for giving them the opportunity to serve and contribute their quotas to the development of justice, reiterating that they would dispense justice without fear or favour.

          Also speaking on behalf of the Customary Court Judges, Mrs. Adeniji Adenike Fatimat, said they were delighted to be appointed as Pioneer Judges of Grade 1 Customary Courts, to serve at the three Senatorial Districts, pledging that they would ensure speedy dispensation of Justice without prejudice.

          A total of Nine Magistrates and Nine Customary Courts Judges were sworn in to aid the speedy trials of cases in the Magistrates and Customary Courts, which hitherto had Lay persons adjudicating over cases.