The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, Justice Olubunmi Oyewole, for appointment as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
A statement issued on Wednesday by the NJC Deputy Director of Information, Mrs Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, said the recommendation was made at the Council’s 110th meeting held on Tuesday under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
According to the statement, Justice Oyewole was recommended alongside 35 other candidates for various judicial appointments across the federation.
Justice Oyewole, born on May 13, 1965, is from Ila-Orangun in Osun State. He was nominated to occupy the South-West slot on the Supreme Court bench created by the retirement of former CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
Beyond the Supreme Court recommendation, the Council also approved the appointment of 27 judges to different State High Courts nationwide.
A breakdown showed that Borno and Plateau States will each have six judges, Ekiti State will receive five, while Niger and Delta States will each get four judges. Benue and Taraba States were allocated one judge each.
The NJC further approved the appointment of six Kadis to the Sharia Court of Appeal in Niger State, three Kadis to the Sharia Court of Appeal in Taraba State, and two judges to the Customary Court of Appeal in Delta State.
On administrative matters, the Council extended the tenure of the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice I.O. Agugua, by three months.
It also urged Imo State Governor, Mr Hope Uzodimma, to immediately commence the process of constituting the State Judicial Service Commission to facilitate the appointment of a substantive Chief Judge.
The NJC stressed that the timely appointment of a substantive Chief Judge is crucial to ensure stability, protect judicial independence and enhance effective administration of justice in the state.
Meanwhile, the Council cleared the Chief Judge of Osun State, Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo, of allegations relating to financial impropriety and judicial misconduct.
The NJC said the decision followed the consideration and adoption of the report of a three-member investigation committee set up to examine multiple petitions filed against the Osun Chief Judge.
