The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has sworn in the newly appointed justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Joseph Oyewole.
Oyewole’s elevation restored the apex court to its full 21-justice complement provided under Section 230(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
The CJN, who administered the Oath of Allegiance and the Judicial Oath to the new jurist at a ceremony held at the Supreme Court, said the occasion carried an added institutional importance as the court would be further strengthened to tackle the backlog of cases awaiting judicial attention.
“For a court whose pronouncements shape the legal destiny of the nation, numerical completeness is structurally significant to the effective discharge of our constitutional mandate.
She maintained that Justice Oyewole’s elevation is a testament to his years of disciplined scholarship, fidelity to the law, and distinguished service on the bench.
“Your judicial record reflects intellectual depth, independence of thought, clarity of expression, and a clear appreciation of the relationship between enduring legal principles and evolving social realities.
“These are qualities indispensable to the work of this court, where issues are often complex and where the margin for error is narrow but the consequences of every decision far-reaching.
The CJN further urged the new jurist not to be afraid to express a divergent opinion on cases that are brought before the court.
