By Kayode Adeoti
The elevation of two judicial officers to the Kwara State High Court bench cadre has accorded a sort of promotion for no fewer than four Chief Magistrates in the state judiciary.
The promotion, to this end, has elevated Chief magistrate Sherifat Bola Olainipekun, popularly called Olori to the seat of the High Court Chief Registrar (CR).
Her emergence came as a result of the vacuum created by the former CR, Olalekan Adegbite, whose appointment to the bench was confirmed by the Nigeria Judicial Commission (NJC) and subsequently sworn-in by the executive Governor of the state, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed, two weeks ago.
Adegbite was sworn-in alongside Barr. Hammed Aliyu Gegele, of the state Ministry of Justice.
At the Sharia Court of Appeal, Kwara State, the Chief Registrar, Sarafadeen Anafi and Barr. Abdurraheem Ahmad Sayi were equally appointed as Khadis and were sworn-in as same.
Olainipekun, was until his appointment the Director Chief Registrar, (DCR) Administration and the helmsman of juvenile court where underage related matters, family issues are being heard.
Also benefiting from the appointment of the two high court judges is Chief Magistrate Nurudeen Adeyanju who was DCR magistrate but now promoted to DCR Litigation.
His counterpart, Chief Magistrate Ibironke Olawoyin now succeeds him as DCR Magistrate while Chief Magistrate Nureni Kuranga emerged the DCR Admin.
Many legal practitioners have since the latest arrangement, began showering commendations on the state judiciary under the leadership of Chief Judge, Justice Sulyman Durosinloun Kawu.
The NBA Chairman, Ilorin branch, Barr. Idowu Muhammed Akande, while speaking on the development to Pilot Law yesterday, congratulated the promoted judicial officers.
Akande in his words, described the promotion as timely, saying it will enhance the effectiveness of the judicial officers in the discharge of their duties.
He further charged them to maintain high dose of integrity in the discharge of their responsibilities, saying such is expected of them.
“Four people got promoted, and Magistrate Kudirat Yahya became DCR, Probate and Research.
“I want to congratulate them all, they should live up to expectation considering the present judicialย challenge in Nigeria. They need to be proactive and maintain integrity.” Akande stressed.
The chairman of Young Lawyer’s Forum (YLF), Ilorin branch, also corroborated the NBA boss saying the development will enhance smooth dispensation of justice in the state judiciary.
“It is a good thing for one to see oneself being promoted in his chosen profession, such development boost morale and encourages one to put in his or her best,” he said.
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