By Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has sworn in Justice Abiodun Ayodele Adebara, who is the most senior Judge, as the Acting Chief Judge of the State, following the retirement of Justice Suleiman Durosinlorun Kawu.

According to the Governor, that the development reaffirmed his administration’s absolute respect for separation of powers and rule of law.

He said: “It is on record that this government has since assumption of office in 2019 shown absolute respect for separation of powers and rule of law. It is in this regard that the most senior Judge on the High Court bench is being sworn-in today to fill the vacant office of the Chief Judge of Kwara State. This is in compliance with Section 271(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as t),” AbdulRazaq said at the event held at the council chamber of Government House Ilorin.

“I am pleased to have the honour this afternoon to swear in Hon. Justice Abiodun Ayodele Adebara as the Acting Chief Judge of Kwara State. This is following the retirement of Hon. Justice S.D. Kawu, who was the Chief Judge of Kwara state until yesterday (Wednesday).

“It’s a thing of joy for us in Kwara State that there is a harmonious relationship between the three arms of government. The peace this has engendered is a reaffirmation that Kwara State is indeed a State of Harmony.”

AbdulRazaq expressed confidence in the ability of Justice Adebara to deliver on the huge roles before him.

“I am delighted that Hon. Justice Abiodun Ayodele Adebara is assuming office at this time. It is a period when fairness, forthrightness, and overriding public interest, qualities which he and his predecessors are renowned for, define a judicial officer,” he said.

“As you assume office today as the acting Chief Judge, your Lordship will inherit a long-standing legacy of a state judiciary that is highly regarded in the country and beyond.”

Justice Adebara, in his address, assured the governor and the people of the state that the judiciary under his leadership would strive to retain its preeminent position as a seat of justice for all, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.

“It is clear that there is a lot of work to do. It is also clear that this will involve a most difficult and tasking engagement. But, it is a task that must be done. It will be a great pride for me to lead a judiciary that is steadfastly committed to a high standard of performance. We will not allow anything to stand in our way towards achieving this. There will be accountability. There will be responsibility, collective responsibility,” he said.

“I want to thank His Excellency AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, a great and excellent performer, who has made giant strides in infrastructural development of Kwara, including the judiciary. In this regard, I will simply say here, E ku ise. Thank you for the great confidence reposed in me by this appointment.”