Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has signed a law, which allows the number of judges to be increased from 24 to 35.
This will be the first time the number of judges will be increased since the creation of the state in 1976.
Aiyedatiwa, shortly after signing the amended bill into law, said it was a testament to his administration’s dedication to strengthening the fabric of the society, as well as commitment to justice, equality and the rule of law.
He said enhancing the capacity of the judiciary would empower the citizens, foster a just and equitable society and enhance the administration of justice.
The governor said: “As I sign this bill into law today, we not only expand access to justice, but also fortify the foundation of our democracy. By increasing the number of judges, we are not only reducing the workload of the existing judges, but also enabling the judiciary to tackle backlog of cases.
“We equally ensure timely and faster administration of justice, thereby reducing congestion in our courts. We demonstrate that our state is a beacon of progress, where the rights and dignity of citizens are cherished and protected.”
Chief Judge, Justice Olusola Odusola, said the new law would help reduce the workload of the judges.
