Honourable Justice Kazeem Olanrewaju Alogba has been sworn in as the 17th Chief Judge (CJ) Lagos State, with a charge by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to bring a new and glorious chapter in the administration justice in the state
The swearing in ceremony took place at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja.
Justice Alogba has served in acting capacity for almost three months and was confirmed by the State House of Assembly on Tuesday.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said his assumption of office as the substantive CJ will further consolidate and advance the cause of justice delivery for the benefit of all.
He assured the CJ of the total support and cooperation of the Executive, stressing that his administration’s dream of a greater Lagos cannot be achieved without an independent judicial system.
“The task before us is to build on the achievements that have brought accolades to the states’ judicial system and I have no doubt that you have what it takes to move Lagos to the desired heights,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu said Lagosians expect so much because “everything we have now is brand new, brand new administration with a brand new governor, Chief Judge, Exco, 9th House of Assembly, everything is new with new visions, competence, energy, zeal etc.
“You are a very credible individual who has been part of the landmark reforms in the state judiciary and the goal is to ensure speedy delivery of justice and expansion of the judiciary; we must continue to pursue that objective because it is the only way of assuring the citizens of our desire to make life better for all.”
The Governor said he had taken note of the CJ’s requests on how to reposition the judiciary, adding that the requests will be attended to within available resources.
Justice Alogba thanked the governor “because I consider myself fortunate to be sworn in by a brand new and quintessential Governor and also screened by a veteran Speaker and presented by a new Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.”
He promised to work with others to deliver world-class standard administration of justice system in the state and also “work with your administration to ensure goals of the administration are achieved to make Lagos greater”.
The Chief Judge reiterated his commitment to prison decongestion and ensuring that inmates come out better than they went in.
“We will put necessary facilities in place for the administration of justice in the state. We also intend to improve on administration of criminal justice and also take all steps to ensure that human rights as enshrined in the Constitution are protected.
“I shall key into the aspiration and goals of the administration to ensure we have a smart judiciary by deploying information and technology facilities in rendering our services,” Justice Alogba said.
On the welfare of workers, the Chief Judge said he would see ensure staff training and skills acquisition for all category of staffers, adding that saying an unhappy workforce would not be productive.
He made a case for the appointment of more judges, saying the workload on the present crop of judges was too much. This, he said, is responsible for the huge backlog of cases pending in the courts.
Dignitaries at the occasion were the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; Deputy Speaker, Hon. Eshilokun Sanni; Majority Leader, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade; Chief Whip, Hon. Rotimi Abiru and Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Wahab Jimoh;.
Others included the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Sotobi; Ojora of Ijoraland, Oba Fatai Aromire and Sugunmade of Ipakodo, Kabir Sotonwa, just to mention a few.
