Edo Legal Year Opens In Benin

The 2007/2008 Legal year of the Edo state Judiciary was formally declared opened yesterday by the state Chief judge, Hon. Justice Michael Irobun Edokpayi.

Hon. Justice Edokpayi disclosed that the occasion was a forum for taking stock of activities of the judiciary between 31st August 2007 and 31st August 2008. The chief judge appreciated efforts by some Local Government councils in the state in providing Courts for the judiciary with a view to bringing justice closer to the people.

The state number one judge noted that the various courts in the state witnessed unprecedented developments owing to the support of the state Governor, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor and other key players in the justice sector.

On welfare of staff, Justice Edokpayi, disclosed that judges were sent abroad for seminars in other to ensure improvement in the area of justice delivery, adding that staff of the judiciary were also sent on the relevant seminars and workshops.

He disclosed that twenty nine inmates awaiting trial were discharged from the various prisons in the state on the merit. According to the state Chief Judge, out of the 5,057 cases filed before the High Court in the period under review, 4,620 of the cases were disposed of exclusive of the 5,110 cases pending as at 31st August 2008.

Justice Edokpayi also stated that three judges were appointed and sworn-in for the customary court of Appeal while five new magistrates were appointed and sworn-in.

While calling on stake holders to contribute positively to the administration of justice, the Chief judge emphasized that the judiciary remains the last hope of the common man.

Earlier, a special mass to mark the new legal year was observed at ST. Augustine’s Catholic Church, Ukhegie street, Benin City, where the Chief judge read the first lesson and the president Customary Court of Appeal, Edo State, Hon. Justice Joseph Olubor read the second lesson.

In a sermon, the Arch Bishop of the Catholic Arch Diocese of Benin, Most Rev. Dr. Richard Burke, described the legal profession as a noble one, and urged those in the justice delivery sector to live up to their responsibilities.

Arch Bishop Burke who called on Judges and other judicial officers to do justice in accordance with the law rather than personal gain, stated that a time will come when everyone will stand before God and give account of his stewardship on earth.