On Tuesday, Delta Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, affirmed that his administration had furnished the judiciary in Delta State with the necessary tools, including personnel and conducive environment to facilitate the prompt dispensation of justice. Governor Okowa made this known during the swearing-in ceremony of Justice Catherine Ojugbana-Orishedere as the Acting President of Delta State Customary Court of Appeal in Asaba.
The governor also assured that his administration would continue to support the growth and development of native laws and customs in the state. He emphasized that his government would leave no stone unturned to improve the welfare and working conditions of the bench and staff in the customary court system.
Governor Okowa explained that Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) empowers the Nigerian Judiciary to administer justice, and District and Area Customary Courts have the mandate to adjudicate in land disputes, marriage, succession, inheritance, guardianship, and custody of children in rural communities. Therefore, those charged with the responsibility of administering justice under the customary court system must possess impeccable character and be free from selfishness, greed, and covetousness.
He added that judges must be guided by the principles of natural justice, fair hearing, equity, common sense, and good conscience, which are the bedrock of the customary court system. Governor Okowa expressed confidence in Justice Ojugbana-Orishedere’s ability to succeed in her new position, citing her professionalism and ethical conduct as a reflection of her merit.
Justice Ojugbana-Orishedere’s appointment as Acting President of the Customary Court of Appeal followed the retirement of Justice Patience Onuwa Elumeze, who had reached the mandatory retirement age of 65 years. Governor Okowa congratulated Justice Ojugbana-Orishedere on her appointment and reiterated the importance of maintaining a high level of focus, diligence, and personal probity.
He commended Justice Elumeze for her leadership, consistency, and commitment to raising the bar in the customary court system. The governor expressed the government and people of Delta’s appreciation for her contributions to the judiciary and hoped that she would be available for future service to the state.
Governor Okowa also highlighted his administration’s efforts in improving the customary court system, such as creating eight additional courts comprising four Area and four District Customary Courts and recruiting over 400 staff for the Customary Court of Appeal.
In her speech, Justice Ojugbana-Orishedere expressed humility and gratitude for her appointment and thanked Governor Okowa, the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Theresa Diai, and her predecessor, Justice Elumeze, for their support and contributions to the judiciary.
In summary, Governor Okowa’s administration has demonstrated a commitment to the growth and development of the customary court system in Delta State by providing the necessary tools, personnel, and conducive environment for the dispensation of justice. The appointment of Justice Ojugbana-Orishedere as Acting President of the Customary Court of Appeal is well-deserved, and her predecessor, Justice Elumeze, is commended for her contributions to the judiciary.
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