Hon Justice Ojugbana-Orishedere Swears-in Chairmen, Members of Delta Area, District Customary Courts.

The Delta State Customary Court on Wednesday strengthened its operations with the swearing in of Chairmen and Members of Area and District Customary Courts.

At the ceremony in Asaba, the President, Delta State Customary Court of Appeal, Hon Justice Catherine Ojugbana-Orishedere, urged the judicial officers of the Lower Court to explore innovative solutions to make justice delivery less technical by encouraging reconciliation through mediation and conciliation.

Hon Justice Orishedere emphasized that they should also that their sound knowledge of Customary Law was reflected in their adjudication of cases, adding that they should be proactive in promoting justice, peace and development in their jurisdictions.

The Customary Court of Appeal President reminded the appointees that they were not only Judges of the Lower Court, but also leaders in their various communities and work places, which behoved them to always remember that their success would be measured by the trust and confidence the general public had in them for the good image of the Judiciary.

While saying that they Lay Judges would encounter numerous challenges in the course of their duties, Hon Justice Orishedere expressed confidence that they possessed the intellect, resilience, integrity and compassion to excel in their career.

She stated that the Chairmen and Members of Courts were saddled with the responsibility adjudicate on land disputes, Customary Law marriages, succession, inheritance, guardianship, custody of children, criminal cases and others matters provided for in the Delta State Customary Courts Law, 2019.

The Customary Court of Appeal President charged those sworn-in to be good examples of hard work, transparency, accountability, fairness and justice, insisting that their decisions must be guided by the principles of natural justice, equity and good conscience.

She further stressed that justice must be dispensed without fear, favour, affection and ill will, adding that the appointees should ensure that justice was accessible and affordable to all Court users, while advising that they should distance themselves from political and social activities that might jeopardize their appointment.

Hon Justice Orishedere warned against involvement in corrupt practices, as any Chairman or Member implicated would be dealt with, and pledged to work closely with them to advance greater efficiency in the administration of justice.

Responding on behalf of his colleagues, one of the Area Customary Court Chairmen, Chuks Ogboi, thanked Hon Justice Orishedere for the opportunity given them to serve, assuring that they would not betray the confidence reposed in them.

The event was attended by the State Chief Judge, Hon Justice Tesy Diai, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN, some Judges of the State High Court, Andrew Odum, SAN, some senior Lawyers and members of the Bar and Bench.