Gov Abdulrazaq Swears In Justice Abiodun Adebara As Kwara Acting Chief Judge

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq  has  sworn  in Justice Abiodun Ayodele Adebara as Acting Chief Judge of Kwara state following the graceful  retirement of Justice Suleiman Durosinlorun Kawu OFR from the bench.

The governor noted that this development has reaffirmed his administration’s absolute respect for separation of powers and  the rule of law.

‘It is on record that this government has since assumption of office in 2019 shown absolute respect for separation of powers and the rule of law. It is in this regard that the most senior Judge on the High Court bench is being sworn-in today to fill the vacant office of the Chief Judge of Kwara State. This is in compliance with Section 271(4) of the 1999 Constitution’ AbdulRazaq said.

The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Rafiu Ajakaye noted in a statement made available toTeam@orientactualmags.com on Thursday that the event was  held at the council chamber of the Government House , Ilorin.

‘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 was sequel to 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’ the governor added. 

AbdulRazaq also  expressed confidence in the ability of Justice Adebara to deliver on the huge roles before him.

‘ 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 governor submitted.

Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Senior Ibrahim Sulyman, in his speech said:  ‘We are gathered here today to witness the constitutional duty of Executive Governor of Kwara State in accordance with 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’.

 Deputy Governor, Mr  Kayode Alabi; Speaker  of the  State House of Assembly, Engr Yakubu Danladi Salihu; cabinet members; traditional rulers including the Ohoro of Shao,  Oba Bamidele Adegbite; former chief judges and grand Khadis; members of the bar and bench, including Prince Lateef Fagbem, SAN attended the event.

Justice Adebara, in his address, assured the governor and the people of the state that the judiciary under his leadership will strive to retain its pre-eminent position as a seat of justice for all, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will. 

‘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’ he said-Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980. Thank you