To many people that are used to the hallowed aura that usually permeates the seat of judicial power in Oyo State, the scenario last Friday was different and unfamiliar as the High Court of Justice Complex in Ring road, Ibadan, dropped its characteristic quiet and somber look and took on the colourful ambience of a carnival ground.
This uncharacteristic change was brought about by the annual Chief Judge’s Award Ceremony where in line with the vision of the Chief Judge of Oyo state, Justice Munta Abimbola, to encourage diligence in the state judiciary, individuals that have worked hard to uplift the judiciary are rewarded for their activities and excellent erformance during the year.
The 2016 edition powered by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, Oyo state branch, was a three tier event; the Chief Judge’s award, the send off for 2016 retirees and the Oyo state judiciary end of the year party.
Justice Abimbola in his address stated that the staff of any organization or institution forms the structural foundation which is the super structure of the organization, its functionality as well as the image and sounds of that organization which informs the perception of the public about the organization.
And based on his outlook as a Marxist/ socialist which is dialectical materialist outlook, Justice Abimbola holds the view that a non antagonistic production relation should be produced and the awards ceremony which is in its second year is one of his ways of encouraging staff to do their best.
“This occasion presents a unique opportunity for me to be able to give recognition to those workers who have identified themselves in conduct worthy of emulation. They need to be celebrated and encouraged so as to serve as good examples to others,” Justice Abimbola stated.
The Chief Judge’s award for 2016 did not only recognize workers of the state judiciary; it was divided into two categories; the first category was the award of excellence for stakeholders in the state judiciary while the second is for members of staff that blazed the trail in 2016.
Awardees for the Chief Judge’s Award of excellence include the Chief Registrar of the state judiciary, Mrs. A.A. Olatunji Daniel, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Seun Abimbola, the Nigerian Bar Association Chairman, Ibadan branch, Akeem Agbaje, a member of the state Judicial Service Commission, Chief Lasun Sanusi (SAN), the Deputy Chief Registrar Litigation, Mrs. A.O. Adetujoye and the Deputy Chief Registrar Probate, Mrs. O.O. Ogunrin.
Others include Hon. Justice P.O. Aderemi JSC (Rtd), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola JSC, Justice H.M. Ogunwumiju JCA, Justice Owoade JCA, Justice Bolaji-Yusuff JCA and Yejide Gbenga-Ogundare of the Nigerian Tribune, who got the award of best court reporter in Oyo state judicial division for 2016.
And for the second category, Mr. Akanbi Ayoyinka G and Lamidi-Hussein Kehinde bagged the Best staff of the year award, Rasheed Adeagbo and Odebode Comfort got awards for most diligent staff, Falola Idris Abiodun and Iwunor Olufunke got awards for most punctual staff, Samson James and Alaba Muibet got the award for most efficient staff while Tajudeen Lamidi and Olaoye Florence got award as the neatest staff.
In her speech, the Chief Registrar, Mrs. Olatunji Daniel, lauded judges in the state for keeping the wheels of justice running in the face of evolving challenges and for performing at their optimal abilities, adding that since the cessation of operation of the rent courts, magistrates have been under additional pressure of work, leading to the establishment of special courts to reduce the burden.
She commended the staff for being faithful in spite of various challenges and expressed the hope that the year 2017 will be better for everyone.
The Chairman of JUSUN in Oyo state, Mr. Kayode Martins in his speech thanked Justice Abimbola for his unwavering support for staff and for being a constant source of inspiration and providing the required momentum for staff to perform their duties.
He also urged awardees to take the recognition as an impetus to do more and accomplish more, urging everyone to look ahead with hope of a better tomorrow.
“I also wish we look ahead into the New Year with confidence, hope and resilience. We know that there might be vast challenges ahead but we also know that we have the right resources both within and around us to meet those challenges,” he concluded.
And for staff of the judiciary and awardees, it was indeed a time to look back and thank God for a fruitful year with hope and confidence in a judicial system that is unbiased and one that will continue to reward hard work and diligence.