Okungbowa now Edo State substantive Chief Judge
…….Gov Obaseki tasks Okungbowa on custodial decongestion, speedy trial
Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has sworn in Hon. Justice Daniel Okungbowa, as the Chief Judge of Edo State, while restating government’s commitment to ensuring improved welfare and service delivery for judicial officers in the state, through requisite infrastructural and human capacity developments.
Okungbowa who was sworn in as acting Chief Judge of Edo State on May 19th 2023, will no longer function in an acting capacity, as he has now been sworn in as the Chief Judge of Edo State, on Friday 14th July, 2023.
The swearing-in ceremony which took place at the New Festival Hall, Edo State Government House, had in attendance the Deputy Governor of Edo State; Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly; Hon. Blessing Agbebaku represented by the Deputy Speaker; Maria Omozele Edeko Esq., Secretary to Edo State Government; Osarodion Ogie Esq., Edo State Head of Service; Anthony Okungbowa Esq., among other dignitaries.
Obaseki during his remarks, commended the state’s judicial arm for the robust and progressive relationship it enjoys with other arms of government, noting that it has brought great development to the state while improving the process of administration, and timely delivery of justice for residents.
Obaseki said, “I welcome all of you, dignitaries and distinguished members of the Bar and Bench, to this auspicious occasion of the swearing-in of the Chief Judge of Edo State, Honourable Justice Daniel Okungbowa.
“In Edo State, we enjoy a very cordial relationship among the executive, the judiciary, and the legislature, as evidenced in your attendance here this morning; because this relationship has enabled us as a government to create the right and appropriate environment for the transformation of our state into a leading subnational government on the continent.”
“We would not have been able to achieve the feats that we have achieved in Edo State, but for the robust cooperation which we have continued to receive from the other two arms of government. This cooperation, particularly with the judiciary, has guaranteed not only the reforms, but helped us maintain law and order, and respect the rule of law in Edo State, because without the rule of law, development cannot occur. All of these have been provided by a thriving and very proactive judiciary.
“The judicial system in Edo State has benefited from years of serious spirited and sincere efforts to improve the process of justice administration, ensuring that the requisite infrastructure and manpower are available to facilitate timely delivery of justice to all,” the Governor added.
He highlighted ongoing infrastructural strides currently in the works by the state in building high-end facilities to serve as correctional centers, in order to end the menace of congestion and endless delay of trials for inmates in the state, and solicited the support and collaboration of the new Chief Judge and other members of the judiciary to enable the state achieve this feat.
Obaseki said, “Let me once again acknowledge our founding fathers and mothers of the judiciary who are here today; who helped us lay the foundation for what we are enjoying in the judiciary and Edo State today.
“We appreciate the constitutional amendment which has made it possible for states to build their own correctional facilities, thus paving the way to end the menace of congested correctional facilities and endless wait for trial.
“I want to urge the new Chief Judge to take advantage of this new development and help us provide leadership towards resolving this challenge of prison congestion which has become a national embarrassment and crisis.”
“I have allocated 100 hectares of land in Orhiomwon for a new state correctional facility. The design is ready but we would not proceed to awarding without seeking clarification and support from you”, Obaseki stated.
The Governor further harped on the state’s commitment to transforming the judicial system of Edo via the ongoing digital programs in the state. “Already, our investments in boosting the capacity of our judges to deliver judgments with the aid of technology, has been firmly rooted. This will enhance a new charge in the judiciary, as it will improve the turnaround time in the administration of justice even as Edo people are assured of better and more efficient service delivery.
“I enjoin you, sir, to sustain these laudable reforms which was started by your predecessors across the different areas, particularly in terms of human capacity development in the judiciary and improved work processes”, Obaseki said.
Obaseki stated that the executive would continue to invest in judicial infrastructures, noting that the state government will commence the second phase of the Judges’ Quarters and vocational facilities before the end of the year.
In his speech, the new Chief Judge of Edo State, Hon. Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa, assured residents of the state and Nigerians, of his pledge and commitment to abide by the oaths of office he has taken, ensuring fair and equitable service delivery for all residents.
Okungbowa said, “Today, the 14th day of July, 2023, in the presence of God and Man, I have subscribed to relevant oaths. I want to assure everyone that I will scrupulously abide by the oaths I have just subscribed to.
“On the 19th day of May, 2023, after I was sworn in by His Excellency, the Governor of Edo State, as the Acting Chief Judge of Edo State, I outlined briefly, the direction the Edo State Judiciary will be heading, going forward under my watch.
“With my swearing-in today as the substantive Chief Judge of Edo State, I, along with my learned brother Judges, would immediately hit the ground running.”
Okungbowa thanked the State Governor, Obaseki, for finding him fit and trustworthy to drive development in the judicial sector of the state. He also thanked Members of the Edo State House of Assembly and others present, for the opportunity granted him to serve in the capacity, as Chief Judge of Edo State.
