The National Judicial Council has approved the take-off of Ekiti State Customary Court of Appeal, the state Chief Judge, Justice John Adeyeye, has said.
He lauded the readiness of the state governor, Kayode Fayemi, to provide necessary facilities for the smooth take-off of the court.
Adeyeye also disclosed that the state Judicial Service Commission under his leadership had begun the process to appoint four new judges for the state high courts to fill vacancies created by the retirement of some judicial officers.
The CJ, who spoke in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, during a valedictory court sitting for a retiring high court judge, Justice Abiodun Adesodun, said, “The four successful candidates as nominated by the NJC will soon be sworn-in as judges by Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi.”
Adeyeye described Adesodun, who bowed out of service having attained the statutory retirement age of 65 years, as “an amiable, erudite, diligent and industrious judicial officer,” as he prayed for good health and peace of mind to enjoy “his deserved rest after an illustrious career.”
The CJ assured all that he would “continue to broaden and brighten the pathway to effective justice administration in Ekiti State through expansion in personnel and improvement in the working environment.”
He said, “The NJC has given its nod to the take-off of Ekiti State Customary Court of Appeal as indicated in my address during the occasion marking the commencement of year 2021/2022 Legal Year in September.”
Adeyeye lauded Fayemi for his support for all efforts geared towards improving justice delivery in the state and his readiness to provide necessary facilities for the smooth take-off of the Customary Court of Appeal.
Adesodun, in his remark, urged those in position of authorities to see to the health and general welfare of judges and avoid unnecessary increase in tax and other deductions from their salaries, as he called for the improvement of the welfare of the magistrates and those with relevant qualifications among the registrars.
He drew government’s attention to a “Law to Amend the Ekiti State House of Assembly Service Commission No. 4 of 2003 and other Matters Incidental thereto or connected therewith” saying, “Judiciary as an arm of government can also have administrators or Deputy Chief Registrars who shall be on same status as Permanent Secretary while the Chief Registrar should be on same status as Head of Service.”