Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, on Tuesday swore in 495 presidents and members of customary courts, for effective dispensation of justice across the 33 local government areas of the state.
The governor, while speaking at the occasion held at the House of Chiefs, Parliament Building, Ibadan, admonished the newly-appointed customary court president and members to embrace the fear of God in the performance of their judicial responsibilities.
``I want to appeal to you that you see your appointments as an opportunity to serve, especially in the dispensation of justice and you must do this with the fear of God. Be equitable, fair and just to the people, especially those that will be brought before your courts,’’ he said.
The governor urged them not to betray the trust reposed in them by the government, even as he reminded them that thorough dispensation of justice required wisdom and God’s intervention ``who is the ultimate Judge over all beings’’.
``I want to enjoin all of you to continue to rely on God for fair judgment,’’ the governor said.
Governor Ajimobi suggested that the oath of office of Presidents and members of customary courts should henceforth be taken in Yoruba language to ensure proper understanding of the responsibilities attached to the office of customary members.
He solicited the support and cooperation of the new presidents and customary court members for his administration, adding that government would continue to provide necessary logistics for them to enhance their performance.
In an interview, the Onigboho of Igboho, Oba John Bolarinwa, who is also one of the newly-appointed customary court presidents, commended the leadership quality of Governor Ajimobi and his commitment towards equity and fairness in the dispensation of justice.
He assured the governor of the readiness of the appointees to work in line with their oath of office.
