Oyebanji Charges New Ekiti CJ Ogunmoye on Global-Standard Justice Delivery
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has officially sworn in Justice Lekan Ogunmoye as the substantive Chief Judge of Ekiti State, urging him to uphold the highest standards of justice delivery and judicial integrity.
The inauguration ceremony, held on Monday at the Governor’s Office in Ado Ekiti, marked the formal elevation of Justice Ogunmoye, who had served in an acting capacity since the death of the former Chief Judge, Justice Oyewole Adeyeye, in 2023.
Governor Oyebanji emphasized that the role of a Chief Judge is not only pivotal but sacred, describing the judiciary as the last line of defense for the common man.
He noted that the expectations of the public from the judiciary are high and must be met with impartiality, efficiency, and strict adherence to the rule of law.
“The position of Chief Judge is a sacred trust,” Oyebanji said. “It must be guided not by sentiment, fear, or favouritism, but by the Constitution and the dictates of the Law.”
He commended Justice Ogunmoye for his longstanding service to the state, highlighting his career trajectory from State Counsel to Solicitor-General and eventually to a High Court Judge, a position he has held with distinction for nearly two decades.
“You have consistently demonstrated unimpeachable integrity, profound legal knowledge, and sound administrative judgment. These qualities will serve you well as you lead the judiciary into a new era of reforms and global-standard service delivery,” the governor remarked.
Oyebanji expressed confidence in Ogunmoye’s ability to maintain the sanctity of the judiciary, particularly after serving in the acting capacity for the past eight months during which, according to the governor, he “upheld the dignity of the office with discipline and professionalism.”
In his acceptance speech, Justice Ogunmoye pledged to work tirelessly to uphold justice, ensure timely dispensation of cases, and maintain the independence of the judiciary in the interest of the people of Ekiti State.
The ceremony was attended by top government functionaries, members of the judiciary, traditional rulers, and civil society groups.
