The governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has stated that his administration will keep working to advance the judiciary’s independence in the state.
The governor argued that because his administration understood that the judicial branch of government serves as a beacon of hope for the average person, it has created the conditions necessary for it to fulfill its constitutional obligations.
The governor made this comment at a reception held by the Oyo State Government in honor of Honourable Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
At the event, held at the Manhattan Hall, Eleyele Road, Jericho, Ibadan, which had in attendance four other state governors, justices of the Supreme Court, Oyo State Judiciary, top lawyers and other eminent dignitaries, Governor Makinde expressed delight at the fact that the State produced Nigeria’s Number 5 Citizen.
The governor said that the development had ushered in a number of precedent-setting successes for the State, noting that it was the first time in Nigeria’s history that the Chief Justice of Nigeria would come from Oyo State.
He said: “I like to specially recognise my brothers – Governors Nyesom Wike of Rivers State; Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia State); Samuel Ortom (Benue State) and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu State).
“When my Lord, Justice Amina Augie JSc., was talking, she said ‘our own Justice Kayode Ariwoola, but more of their own.’ So, the CJN belongs to everybody and to nobody.
“The Judiciary will be allowed to continue to carry out its constitutional responsibilities.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ariwoola, expressed his gratitude to Governor Makinde for honoring him in his remarks and promised to uphold Nigerians’ expectations.
Justice Ariwoola cautioned both politicians to let the judiciary carry out its duties and the judiciary to leave politics to politicians in an equal measure.
