By ‘Wole Adedeji, Ilorin
An acting Chief Judge of Kwara State has been sworn by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. He is Justice Abiodun Ayodele Adebara.
The new acting Chief Judge is succeeding the former, Justice Suleiman Durosinlorun Kawu, OFR, barely 24 hours after he bowed out of the bench and celebrated in great honours.
Speaking while swearing-in the new acting head of the state judiciary, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s absolute respect for the principle of separation of powers and the rule of law.
His words, “It is on record that this government has since assumption of office in 2019 shown absolute respect for the principle of separation of powers and rule of law. It is in this regard that the most senior judge on the Kwara State High Court bench is being sworn-in today to fill the vacant office of the Chief Judge of Kwara State.
There had been instances in the past where such appointments generated issues because, instead of making the next in rank to succeed the one bowing out, appointments were made outside that.
Recall that the then Governor Bukola Saraki did it, but was challenged in court by Justice Elelu, who was next in rank. She got a relief in the court and was ordered to be sworn in as the Chief Judge of the state.
Governor AbdulRazaq said, “This is in compliance with Section 271(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), I am pleased to have the honour this afternoon to swear-in Hon. Justice Abiodun Ayodele Adebara as the acting Chief Judge of Kwara State. This is following the retirement of Hon. Justice S.D. Kawu, who was the Chief Judge of Kwara state until yesterday (Wednesday).
“It’s a thing of joy for us in Kwara State that there is a harmonious relationship between the three arms of government. The peace this has engendered is a reaffirmation that Kwara State is indeed a State of Harmony.”
He expressed confidence in the ability of Justice Adebara to deliver on the huge roles before him.
His words, “I am delighted that Hon. Justice Abiodun Ayodele Adebara is assuming office at this time. It is a period when fairness, forthrightness, and overriding public interest, qualities which he and his predecessors are renowned for, define a judicial officer.
“As you assume office today as the acting Chief Judge, your Lordship will inherit a long-standing legacy of a state judiciary that is highly regarded in the country and beyond.”
The Kwara State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Senior Ibrahim Sulyman, while speaking at the event said, “We are gathered here today to witness the constitutional duty of the executive governor of Kwara State as enjoins by the provision of section 271 subsection 4 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which vested His Excellency with the power to appoint the most senior judge of the High Court to act in the capacity of the Chief Judge of the state.
“It will be recalled that the former Chief Judge of Kwara State Hon Justice S.D Kawu, OFR, retired on the 4th January, 2023, after almost 40 years of public service.”
Those who graced the occasion included: the Deputy Governor, Mr. Kayode Alabi; the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Engr) Yakubu Danladi Salihu; cabinet members; traditional rulers, including the Ohoro of Shao, Oba Bamidele Adegbite; former Chief Judges and Grand Kadis; members of the bar and bench, including Prince Lateef Fagbem, SAN.
In his address, the new acting Chief Judge of Kwara State, Justice Adebara, assured the governor and people of the state that the judiciary under his leadership would strive to retain its pre-eminent position as a seat of justice for all, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.
Justice Adebara said, “It is clear that there is a lot of work to do. It is also clear that this will involve a most difficult and tasking engagement. But, it is a task that must be done. It will be a great pride for me to lead a judiciary that is steadfastly committed to a high standard of performance. We will not allow anything to stand in our way towards achieving this. There will be accountability. There will be responsibility, collective responsibility.
“I want to thank His Excellency, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, a great and excellent performer, who has made giant strides in infrastructural development of Kwara, including the judiciary. In this regard, I will simply say here, ‘E ku ise.’ Thank you for the great confidence reposed in me by this appointment.”
