Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, on Monday officially swore in Justice Lekan Ogunmoye as the sixth substantive Chief Judge of the state, with a call on him to uphold justice with courage, integrity, and commitment to duty.
In a statement made during the swearing-in ceremony held at the Governor’s Office Conference Hall in Ado-Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji said the judiciary remains the last hope of the common man, stressing that his administration would continue to provide the needed support for effective judicial service delivery.
Justice Ogunmoye had been serving as Acting Chief Judge since November 5, 2024, following the death of his predecessor, Hon. Justice Oyewole Adeyeye.
His appointment was ratified by the Ekiti State House of Assembly on July 3, 2025, after receiving the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission.
Governor Oyebanji described the new Chief Judge as a thorough professional with unblemished records and noted that the judiciary in Ekiti had long built a strong legacy of dignity and excellence. He urged Justice Ogunmoye to sustain and improve on the standard by ensuring timely and efficient dispensation of justice.
“Your Lordship, history will not judge you by the ovation you receive today but by the legacy you leave behind. Let it be said that under your watch, the Ekiti Judiciary advanced in fairness, access to justice, and credibility,” the Governor said.
He also restated his government’s commitment to the independence of the judiciary and promised continuous investment in infrastructure, reforms, and welfare of judicial officers.
“The position of a Chief Judge is not just a title—it is a sacred responsibility. The judiciary, being the last hope of the common man, must not be swayed by sentiment or fear but guided strictly by the Constitution and the rule of law,” Oyebanji said.
The Governor commended Justice Ogunmoye’s journey from State Counsel to Solicitor-General and later High Court Judge, describing his nearly two-decade-long service as a testimony to competence and loyalty to the judiciary.
Earlier, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Dayo Apata (SAN), commended the Governor for his respect for rule of law and due process. He said the appointment of Justice Ogunmoye followed the legal procedure, which requires recommendation by the National Judicial Council and confirmation by the State Assembly.
In his acceptance speech, Justice Lekan Ogunmoye appreciated the Governor for the trust reposed in him and promised not to disappoint the people of Ekiti State. He pledged to reform the justice system through digital innovation, faster case handling, and increased transparency.
“My vision is to modernise our court processes using technology so that justice can be delivered more quickly and efficiently. We will strive to make our services more accessible to the public while maintaining integrity and fairness,” he said.
Present at the ceremony were the President of the Ekiti State Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Monisade Abodunde; Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Folakemi Olomojobi; members of the State Executive Council; members of the House of Assembly; traditional rulers including the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe; and stakeholders from the legal community.
