The Oyo State Governor, Governor Seyi Makinde, has pledged its support and commitment to an independent judicial system in the State saying that this will only enhance good governance and a sustainable democracy.
The Governor made this pledged in his address at Justice Pius Olayiwola Aderemi annual lecture series tagged “Governance and Good Governance: The role of the Government ” held at Aare Afe Babalola Bar centre, Nigerian Bar Association NBA, Ibadan.
Speaking through the Deputy Governor, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan, he canvassed support of the law practitioners in order to ensure good governance.
According to him, welfare of judicial officials will be given utmost priority saying they should expect the best from his administration.
“The judiciary should expect the best from this government as we fully understand that their support is needed for us to record good success”, he said.
While lauding the late Justice, Makinde described him as an incorruptible judge with no negative record while in service.
In his remark, the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, and the Chairman of the occasion, Justice Tanko Muhammed, who was represented by Justice Olukayode Ariwoola of Supreme Court, established that for good governance to take place, the rule of law must be firmly entrenched in the state.
According to him, government should always get feedback from the governed adding that this will allow them understand the challenges of the people thereby leading to policies that will bring lasting solutions.
The ACJ also charged the executive arm to always disseminate laws as many people are not even aware of existing laws in the nation.
Also, the Chief Judge, Oyo state, Justice Munta Abimbola eulogized the late Justice as a judicial activist who passionately had law in his being.
In addition, Abimbola urged judicial officers to emulate the achievements of the late Justice in order to record more success in the judicial system.
Also speaking at the lecture, Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Ibadan branch, Prof. John Akintayo, said the late Justice lived a life of excellence and left legacies behind. He had once served as Chairman of the Association and Treasurer at the local level.
Akintayo promised to ensure that the lecture continues every year in honour of the late Justice.
Present also at the event, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Abiodun Fadeyi; Chief of Staff, Chief Bisi Ilaka; Representative of Ooni of Ife, Oba Adekunle Adebowale; Elder state man and former Oyo State Governor, Chief Omololu Olunloyo; Guest Lecturer, Prof Omolewa, Former Bar Chairman, Chief Emmanuel Abiodun, Catholic Archbishop, Gabriel Abegunrin, other eminent Jurists and members of the late Justice’s family.
