The Chief Judge (CJ) of Lagos State, Justice Opeyemi Oke on
Monday swore-in four presidents and two members of the Customary
Court.
The new Customary Court Presidents are – Adeyinka
Ojora-Adejiyan, Adeola Ogunsanwo, Idowu Sodimu and Aramide
Keshinro.
The two customary court members are Oredola Olaoye and Ayoola
Shonowo.
Mr Oke, while admonishing the newly-sworn in officer, urged them
to let the fear of God be in their hearts as they perform their
duties.
He reminded them to uphold the rule of law and enshrine justice
in their respective courts in accordance with the native law and
custom of the people.
“As customary court judges and members, you must act with a high
level of decorum and within the dictates of your conscience.
“The fundamental rights, freedoms and principles underpinning
our constitutional democracy must guide you,” she said.
Mr Oke urged them to conduct themselves in a manner that is seen
to be above board, adding that any standard that is less than
prescribed and other infringements shall attract the sanction of
the Judicial Service Commission.
The CJ enjoined the new appointees to give no room for corrupt
practices as the Judicial Service Commission had zero tolerance for
corruption and would be swift in sanctioning any officer found
culpable.
Mr Oke said: “Let it resound in your hearts at all times that as
Customary Court Judges and members, you are to maintain a high
standard of judicial conduct.
“In addition to good morals, judicial etiquettes and high ideals
of conduct, it is equally important that your knowledge of the
native law and custom of the people must be exceptional.
“It is now abundantly clear that a judge who is not fully aware
of the law can ruin lives by interpreting the law wrongly and
thereafter giving the wrong judgment.
“It was in the light of this that the Commission conducted a
thorough screening from which you emerged as the best candidates
based on your track record, integrity, ability and
qualifications”
”You are therefore appointed without any unwarranted
interference, whether externally or otherwise.”
Mr Oke noted that the jurisdiction of the Customary Court has
been expanded in Lagos State and as a result their volume of cases
has increased significantly.
She urged the new presidents and members to enhance their
knowledge of the rudiments of case management to attract more
patronage by members of the public who principally use the court as
a dispute resolution forum.
Olubukola Salami, the Executive Secretary, Lagos State Judiciary
Commission, expressed confidence in the new presidents and
members.
She said the inauguration would enhance justice delivery at the
customary court level and ensure speedy disposition of cases.
She also admonished the new appointees to maintain a high
standard of professionalism, competence and integrity in
dispensation of justice.
“This has become necessary as your conduct and carriage would
come under public scrutiny,” Mrs Salami said.
(NAN)