Chief Judge Inaugurates Ondo LG Election Petition Tribunal
The Ondo State Chief Judge, Justice Olusegun Odutola, has sworn in two sets of local government election petition tribunals to try electoral cases that may emanate after the state Local government election.
They are :Dr Dickson Omotuyole Oguntuyi, Mrs Ruth Olumilua Adebodun, Mr Kehinde Aladedutire, Mrs Aduroja Folasade Atinuke, Mr Lebi Taiwo Olalekan and Mr Victor Adetiloye Ajayi.
At a ceremony held at the Conference hall of the Ondo state High Court , Odusola said the appointed Chairmen and members of the tribunal were designated to preside over election petition tribunals.
This occasion underscores the vital role of the judiciary in safeguarding democracy, upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice depended without fear or favour.”
He said elections were the bedrock of democracy, as it allowed the people to choose their leaders according to their will, saying whenever disputes that arose, the judiciary was a point of call to interprete the law, resolve conflicts and restore public confidence in the electoral processes.
While addressing the newly inaugurated members, Odusola said the task before them was critical and delicate.
You are not only the arbiters of justice but also guardians of democracy. Your decision will shape public trust , the integrity and Impartiality with which you approach this responsibility will determine the credibility of the outcomes and the stability of our democratic framework”. he stated.
He advised them to discharge their responsibility with discreet as justice must not only be done but must be manifestly seen to be done by not been biased , prejudice or predisposition.
Your decisions must be based on the law, evidence, and the fact before you. Avoid the influence of external pressure or public opinion as the law is bound to take its cause. You are expected to uphold the highest ethical standards, knowing that your conduct reflects on the entire judiciary “
He also called on the public to imbibe patient and respect for the judicial process by trusting in the system and refraining from actions or utterances that may undermine the judiciary or jeopardize peace.
