By Sunmola Olowookere & Evelyn Omotoye
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Judges of the Ondo State High Court, have been charged to perform their judicial duties with honesty, fairness and without fear or favour to any man.

Right Reverend Abel Ajibodu, the Arch Bishop of Anglica Diocese,  Osogbo made the call, in his sermon, during the thanksgiving service to commence the 2018 Legal Year celebration, held at St. David’s Cathedral, Ijomu, Akure.

The State Chief Judge, Justice Olutoyin Akeredolu, had led other judges and magistrates to the thanksgiving service, which ushered in the lined up activities, scheduled for the annual celebration.

The cleric, who cited the example of a king in the bible, King Jehoshaphat, as a just king, and judged fairly, urged the judges to emulate the King’s examplary life, in the discharge of their duties, expressing that the judges are doing God’s work.

He further stated that all court judgements are sacred, hence judges must not see themselves as just working for men, but God, which makes it imperative  for them to discharge their duties with fear of God.

He said Nigeria is more religious than being godly, which has made the focus of justice not to be on godliness again.

He urged stakeholders in the judiciary to correct this development, while he warned that all leaders will be held accountable for the powers given to them and the decisions they took with it.

He urged leaders in the nation to carry out necessary reforms that would guide against miscarriage of justice in the nation’s judicial system.

He described the  state judiciary as blessed, while holding the belief that the head of the judiciary being an icon in the law profession, would be a plus for the  state judiciary.

He congratulated the Chief Judge, Akeredolu, for the success recorded in the judiciary under her watch and for the legal year celebration.

While delivering his goodwill message, the Deputy Governor of the  state, Mr Agboola Ajayi ,commended the Ondo state judiciary under the current Chief Judge, for its efficient and effective justice delivery.

While giving the vote of thanks, Justice Akeredolu, appreciated God for being the mainstay of the judiciary and also thanked the church for hosting them.

The Chief Judge maintained that the mission statement of the judiciary, “Justice for all: under the lamps of the law and the constitution , driven by men and women, committed to truth, integrity, fairness, boldness and overall good of the society,” remains their watchword.

She welcomed the numerous guests that graced the thanksgiving service, including retired and serving Judges in the Ondo state judiciary and their spouses, including the officers of the judiciary.

Other dignitaries that graced the occasion included; the Deji of Akure, Oba Ogunlade Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo, who led other monarchs to the occasion and the former Chief Judge of Ondo State, retired Justice Seinde Kumuyi.