Makinde explains delay in emergence of new Alaafin, Soun

Makinde explains delay in emergence of new Alaafin, Soun

•Swears in new CJ

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde  said delay in the emergence of new Alaafin of Oyo and Soun of Ogbomosoland was to allow due process to be followed in their selection, to avoid repeat of past mistakes.

He made this known yesterday in Ibadan while swearing in the new Chief Judge, Justice Iyabo Yerima.

The event was held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Makinde said he had already communicated the kingmakers in the two towns that institutional framework should be followed in the selection of new Alaafin and Soun.

According to him, once due process is followed, things generally will work out more efficiently.

“We have gone through a situation where a king was removed by the judiciary in the state after he had been on the throne for over 22 years.

“And I said to myself, not under my watch are we going to repeat the same mistake. I will rather delay and have due process followed.

“Then, if anybody decides to go to court after the emergence of the new traditional rulers, such exercise may be a nullity.

“I believe this is what we need in Nigeria right now – strong institutions.

“But, we also need people to build them, people with experience, capacity and people with strong conviction to do what is right.

“This is why appointment of people like Justice Iyabo Yerima is important, because she has experience in leadership,” Makinde said.

Swearing in Yerima as a substantive Chief Judge, he said her appointment was in accordance with Section 271 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended.

He said the swearing-in was done after her appointment was confirmed by the House of Assembly.

Makinde, congratulating the new Chief Judge, promised to support her to succeed.

He said his administration had taken steps to ensure the judiciary worked effectively, adding that his administration would try its best to provide resources as they were available.

The governor said if justice was to be dispensed efficiently; it should be carried out in a befitting environment.

Yerima pledged to take judiciary in the state to a greater height.

She lauded Makinde for the cooperation the judiciary had been enjoying since the inception of his administration.

The Chief judge, however, pleaded for the renovation of the court rooms.

Highlight of the event was the administering of Administration Oath and Judicial Oath on the Chief Judge by the governor.

The Deputy Governor, Chief Adebayo Lawal; Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Olubanwo Adeosun; High Court judges and other top government functionaries were present at the event.