Edo State government has finally abolished the Customary Court of Appeal in the state with the swearing-in on Friday, of five former judges of the Court as Judges of the State High Court.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole while swearing-in Hon. Justices Mary Nekpen Asemota, Timothy Ukpebor Oboh, Peter Akhihiero, Ohimai Ovbiagele and Osaretin Stella Uwuigbe said, “the judges that have just been sworn in are not new on the bench. It is more of a formality because they have been serving the state as Judges at the Customary Court of Appeal which has now been abolished and with the approval of the National Judicial Council, my Lord, the five judges of the Edo State Customary Court of Appeal have now been formally reunited with their brothers in the Edo State bench.

“Let me say publicly that although we have had to swear you in again, we are not backdating your appointment but your seniority remains because you have since been appointed as judges. So, for the purpose of seniority on the bench, it is your date of first appointment as a judge in the customary court that will be used.”

He said, “By this singular action, we now have 29 judges of the state High Court and I believe this addition will mean quicker access to justice and the number of pending cases in the Edo State High Court over the next couple of months or years would be reduced considerably because we now have more judicial officials that are able to hear those cases.

“I think it is only important that we use this medium to explain again to our employers, the people of Edo State the rationale behind this decision and the full implication of this decision. First, by the abolition of the Customary Court of Appeal, we have not abolished the right of appeal for anyone who wishes to appeal the decisions of the customary court president.

The right of appeal is guaranteed, except that the Chief Judge of the State will have the right and duties to empanel judges as he deems fit and as the occasion may demand, to hear cases that may arise from decisions of Presidents of Customary Courts. So, access to appeal have not been abolished, it is guaranteed and therefore, those who might wish to suggest that we have abolished the right of appeal should know that those rights are very well preserved and they will be guarded jealously.”

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