Oyo state government, on Wednesday, sworn in 400 Justices Of Peace to assist the state government in the dispensation of justice and maintenance of peace.
The new justices of peace were sworn in on Thursday at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan.
They included the Deputy Governor of Oyo state, Barrister Abdul-raheem Bayo Lawal, Alayeluwa Oba Gbenga Adigun Adeoye Oyetunji Oyinlola, Aare of Ofiki Land and others.
Also sworn in were the Alepata of Igboho, Oba Joel Olalere Olawuwo, Alamodu of Ago-Amodu, Oba Johnson Akinloye Olaoye, Olaewe III, Olokaka of Okaka, Oba Ayoola Azeez Olatunji and Alagere of Agoare as well as religion leaders, and noteworthy stakeholders.
Speaking during the induction of the awardees, the Oyo State deputy governor, Bayo Lawal, called on the newly inducted JPs to use their power to curb crimes in the state.
He said, “about 400 men and women have been identified as keepers of peace and they are being commissioned to assist in sustaining peace in their respective society.”
He urged the newly inducted JPs to perform their role with utmost care as, according to him, JPs are partners in governance with the state government in their communities.
“As a government, our responsibility is to raise more responsible citizens who obey the law and perform their civic duties without having to be compelled. On this note, I congratulate you all on this well-deserved honour. With your cooperation, we shall have a peaceful and just society,” he said.
Also speaking after the ceremony, the Aare of Ofiki said the JP title is a call to active duty in the area of justice administration.
He pledged to defend the oath of office and the Nigeria constitution.
He said: “It’s a great joy when you are conferred with Justice of Peace by the Governor of your state. It’s indeed a call to active duty in the area of justice administration.
“I pledge to defend the oath of office and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
In a related development, Alayeluwa Oba Gbenga Adigun Adeoye Oyetunji Oyinlola, Aare of Ofiki Land was also honoured by the Non academic Staff of the Polytechnic Ibadan in recognition of his worthy contribution to the advancement of welfare of staff of the institution.
