The Oyo State chief judge, Iyabo Yerima, swore in 15 new magistrates on Monday, saying it would enable the state judiciary to perform better.

Ms Yerima, at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Oyo State High Court premises, Ring Road, Ibadan, said the state magistracy had, over time, suffered a shortfall in the number of magistrates.

She said only 19 magistrates were presiding in the various magistrates’ courts, spread over all the magisterial districts in the state.

According to her, there have been circumstances where a magistrate would preside over more than one magisterial district.

She was, however, optimistic that the situation was set to change.

“With the appointment of more qualified legal practitioners as magistrates, I am confident to state that the judicial arm of government will be many steps closer to responding adequately to its statutory responsibilities.

“This will ensure that justice is not only done but seen as done to all and sundry,” she said.

The chief judge charged the newly appointed magistrates to exercise their authority with fairness, impartiality, honour, and utmost integrity.

The new magistrates are Adebola Adedoyin, Olasumbo Kudirat, Raji Oluwaferanmi Ayomide, Adelabu Olajumoke Victoria, Rufus Adeoluwa, Ige Oladipupo, Jimoh Kazeem, Amin Aminat, Adebiyi Aderemi, Atanda Moyosore, Fasasi Kabirat, Oladele Gladys, Ayanfe Kaosarat, Tolani Sofiat, and Marcus Omolara.

Dignitaries present at the event include the permanent secretary in the state Ministry of Justice, Evelyn Akintunde, and serving and retired judges.

(NAN)