Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Tuesday said the delay in the emergence of new Aalafin of Oyo and Soun of Ogbomosoland, is to allow due process in the selection of candidates for the stools in order to avoid a repeat of past mistakes.
Makinde made this known on Tuesday in Ibadan while swearing in the new Chief Judge of the state, Justice Iyabo Yerima.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the event was held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.
Makinde said he had already communicated to the kingmakers in the two towns that institutional framework should be followed in the selection of new Aalafin and Soun.
According to him, once due process is followed, things generally will work out more efficiently.
“We have gone through a situation where a king was removed by the judiciary in the state after he had been on the throne for over 22 years.
“And I said to myself, not under my watch are we going to repeat the same mistake. I will rather delay and have due process followed.
“Then, if anybody decides to go to court after the emergence of the new traditional rulers, such exercise might be a nullity.
“I believe this is what we need in Nigeria right now – strong institutions.
“But we also need people to build them – people with experience, capacity and people with strong conviction to do what is right.
“That is why the appointment of people like Justice Iyabo Yerima is important because she has experience in leadership,” Makinde said.
The governors said Justice Yerima’s swearing-in as the substantive Chief Judge of Oyo State was in accordance with Section 271 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended.
Makinde, while congratulating the new Chief Judge, promised to give her the necessary support to succeed.
He hinted that his administration had taken steps to ensure that the judiciary in the state works effectively, assuring that his government would try its best to provide resources as they were available.
In her remarks, Justice Yerima pledged to take the judiciary in the state to a greater height.
