The Oyo State Chief Judge, Justice Iyabo Yerima, yesterday swore in 15 new magistrates as part of plans to make the state judiciary perform better than it is currently.

The CJ lamented that the Oyo State Magistracy had, over time, suffered a shortfall in the number of magistrates. She made the disclosure while swearing in the new Magistrates at the State High Court premises, Ring Road, Ibadan, yesterday. She noted that there were only 19 magistrates presiding in the various Magistrates’ Courts spread over all the magisterial districts in the state.

Disclosing that there have been circumstances where a magistrate would preside over more than one magisterial district, Yerima said she was however optimistic that the situation would soon change.

“With the appointment of more qualified legal practitioners as magistrates, I am confident to state that the judicial arm of government will be many steps closer to responding adequately to its statutory responsibilities aggressively.

“This will ensure that justice is not only done but seen as done to all and sundry,” she said while charging the newly appointed magistrates to exercise their authority with fairness, impartiality, honour, and utmost integrity.

“You have the power to shape lives and communities through the decisions you make; with this power comes even greater responsibility.
Remember that the scales of justice are balanced, and it is your duty to ensure that they remain so,” Yerima cautioned.

The new magistrates are Adebola Adedoyin, Olasumbo Kudirat, Raji Oluwaferanmi Ayomide, Adelabu Olajumoke Victoria, Rufus Adeoluwa, Ige Oladipupo and Jimoh Kazeem.

Others are: Amin Aminat, Adebiyi Aderemi, Atanda Moyosore, Fasasi Kabirat, Oladele Gladys, Ayanfe Kaosarat, Tolani Sofiat and Macus Omolara.

The event was graced by many State Government officials.