Acting Governor of Ondo State, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has sworn In the acting Chief Judge of the state, Justice Ayedun Odusola.
Mr Aiyedatiwa, who is acting as the State Governor for his principal, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, while speaking at the ceremony in Akure, said that the state government will continue to support the judiciary in the administration of fair and equitable justice for all citizens of the State.
The inauguration of Justice Ayedun Odusola as the acting Chief Judge of the State was sequel to the retirement of the former chief judge of Ondo State, Justice Williams Akintoroye, after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 65.
Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, while congratulating the acting chief judge, said that the executive had resolved not to interfere in his duties.
He urged Justice Odusola to work on policies and programmes that will facilitate the quick dispensation of justice and thus help to decongest the correctional facility in the State.
He assured that government will continue to collaborate with the judiciary for quick dispensation of justice to people of the state.
In his remarks, Justice Odusola sought the cooperation of other arms of government in the State in steering the ship to the state judiciary.
He pledged to consolidate on the strides attained by his predecessor in moving the Ondo State judiciary forward.
The Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who is currently on vacation is a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association and is expected to lead by example in protecting the independence of the Judiciary in the State as encapsulated in the Swearing in of the new Acting Chief Judge of the State to prevent the creation of a vacuum in the State Judiciary Leadership.
The Swearing In will also help in speeding up cases in the State judiciary to help in delivering justice speedily and without favour or fear.
The Swearing is also expected to help in speeding up the prosecution of high profile crimes committed in the State including the Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church Owo Massacre.
The newly Sworn in Chief Judge will act for a number of months before his confirmation or Otherwise by the National Judicial Council under the Chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayoode Tajudeen Ariwoola.