The Ekiti State House of Assembly has confirmed the appointment of Justice Adekanye Ogunmoye as the substantive Chief Judge of the state.
The confirmation followed a unanimous voice vote by lawmakers during plenary on Thursday, after deliberating on a request by Governor Biodun Oyebanji seeking legislative approval for Justice Ogunmoye’s elevation from Acting Chief Judge to substantive Chief Judge.
Presenting the report of the House Committee on Judiciary and Legal Matters, Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Babatunde Oke, said the nominee met all constitutional and professional requirements for the position.
Speaking on the floor, the Majority Leader, Hon. Tolu Ige, and the Minority Leader, Hon. Oladele Ogunsakin, through the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, described the nominee as a thoroughbred judicial officer with an impressive track record.
Both lawmakers commended Governor Oyebanji for the nomination, expressing confidence in Justice Ogunmoye’s capacity to uphold the integrity and independence of the judiciary.
Justice Ogunmoye, who was called to the Bar in 1987, joined the Ondo State Civil Service before the creation of Ekiti State. He had been serving in acting capacity since the demise of the late Chief Judge, Justice Ayodeji Adeyeye, in November 2024.
In a brief interaction with journalists shortly after his confirmation, Justice Ogunmoye pledged to prioritize the deployment of technology to enhance justice delivery in the state. He also promised to ensure the dispensation of justice remains fair, fast, and transparent under his leadership.
Meanwhile, under matters of urgent public importance, the Assembly raised concern over the artificial hike in fuel prices across the state.
Raising the motion, Hon. Tolulope Ige lamented the wide disparity between official depot prices and retail pump prices in Ekiti, urging swift action to curtail the exploitative practice.
Supporting the motion, Hon. Tope Longe and Hon. Lateef Akanle decried the development as a form of economic sabotage that could worsen the cost-of-living crisis among citizens.
In response, the Speaker directed the Joint House Committees on Security and Special Duties, led by Hon. Babatunde Omotayo, and Trade and Investment, chaired by Hon. Tope Longe, to engage petroleum marketers in the state and report back to the House within two weeks.