Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, has presented 13 Toyota Jeeps to State High Court judges as part of efforts to enhance the welfare of judicial officers in the state.
The governor handed over the vehicles’ keys to the judges on Friday at Government House, Osogbo.
This contradicts the spirit of the independence granted the judiciary by the constitution and flouts the recent Executive Order 10.
Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari had on, May 22, signed an executive order to give financial autonomy to the state Houses of Assembly and judiciary.
And analysts believe the recent development in Osun would sustain the age-long history of the executive arm treating the judiciary as an appendage.
However, according to Oyetola, the new automobiles are ” purposely for the progress of judicial activities in Osun”.
“The state government would continue to play its roles with the judiciary in ensuring that their activities are carried out smoothly,” the governor said.
“We will go round the courts to rehabilitate and rebuild some of the dilapidated buildings.
“The 13 brand new Toyota Jeeps are for our judges purposely for the progress of judicial activities in Osun.”
Chief Judge of Osun, Justice Adepele Ojo, commended the governor for fulfilling his promises to the judiciary with the belief that such gesture would continue.
Ojo assured that the vehicles would be used for judicial activities in the state.
Justice A.B. Abdulkareem, who delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the beneficiaries, commended the governor for fulfilling his promises.
