The Judicial arm of government in The State of Osun yesterday practically seized my Principal from morning till night. It was their 2020/2021 Legal Year.
According to them, the last time they enjoyed the privilege of marking a legal year with funfair was in 2014, six years ago.
Yesterday’s event kicked off with inter-religious Thanksgiving services, beginning with that of the Muslims, which held at the Oja Oba Central Mosque, Osogbo. It was followed closely by that of the Christians, which took place at Aglican Cathedral, Balogun Agoro, also in Osogbo.
READ ALSO: Jare Tiamiyu wins CSDP Award of Excellence in Reportage
At the two events, my Principal, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, emphasised the need for Nigerians to be grateful to God regardless of the challenges they may have faced or are facing.
He further said: “Without any doubt, the last few months have been very challenging and would perhaps go down in history as one of the most tortuous, especially with the outbreak of the Coronavirus globally. It is only fitting we count ourselves very privileged be alive and well, considering the widespread loss of lives across the world”.
“But in all, we must remain grateful to God. This is the attitude we all must bear at this time and indeed at all times.”
From the two services, we headed for the State High Court Premises in Osogbo, where he inaugurated some newly- reconstructed court rooms, which he noted would further enable the judiciary to perform its important roles better as “the last hope of the common man.”
The event was capped with a dinner by the State Government in honour of the members of the Judiciary.
Before the dinner, Osun Chief Judge, Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo, had during the inauguration of the new court rooms lauded Governor Oyetola for being a law-abiding leader who accords due respect to the rule of law since the beginning of his administration till date.
She attributed the sincerity of purpose which she noted has been the hallmark of the Oyetola’s Administration to the existing mutual trust between the three arms of government in the State.
ALSO In HOME: Osun Govt clears air on CACOVID rice
Justice Ojo, who acknowledged the support given to the members of the Judiciary in the State, said the administration had done excellently well in supporting the welfare and well-being of the officers and staffers of the arm of government.
“We appreciate Mr. Governor for his commitment to the welfare of the Judicial officers in the State and to other members of staff. Very recently and precisely in June this year, Mr Governor presented 13 Toyota Jeeps to the State’s High Court Judges as part of his welfare package for Judicial officers.
“Also in June this year, Mr. Governor graciously approved the upward review of retirement benefits of Judges of the State High Court and Customary Court of Appeal from 70 percent to 200 percent of their annual basic salary”, she added.
At close of the dinner, the members of the judiciary were full of gratitude to Mr. Governor for not using the excuse of paucity of funds to deny them of their privileges.
They noted that he has restored hope to the people through his selfless leadership style; and for doing that, they prayed that no weapon fashioned against him shall prosper so long as he continues in the path of justice and good governance. They also prayed that things of joy would never cease in the life of the administration.
These are indeed sincere prayers; and like they say, sincere prayers find favour with God.
Oyetola has refused to be a killjoy leader; as such things of joy will never cease in the Administration. Can I hear somebody say Amen?
