By David Lawani
A growing face-off is unfolding between the Edo State Executive and the Judiciary over judicial appointments, budget allocations and the management of court infrastructure projects, deepening tensions within the state’s justice sector.
The disagreement, according to multiple judiciary sources, centres on concerns over alleged executive interference in judicial matters and the sharp reduction in the judiciary’s capital allocation.
Sources said the judiciary’s capital budget, which stood at about N6 billion under the previous administration, was reportedly reduced to N300 million in the current fiscal cycle, a development that has unsettled judicial officers.
The tension was said to have become more pronounced during a meeting of High Court judges held last Friday in Benin, where judicial officers reportedly discussed recent developments affecting the administration of justice in the state.
Among the issues raised at the meeting was the appointment of Justice Mary Asemota as Acting President of the Edo State Customary Court of Appeal, a development that has generated differing opinions within the judiciary.
Sources familiar with the deliberations said concerns were also expressed over the handling of judicial infrastructure projects by the executive arm of government, particularly the ongoing rehabilitation of the High Court in Irrua, reportedly valued at about N500 million.
Some judges were said to have maintained that such projects had traditionally been coordinated through the judiciary and could be delivered more cost-effectively under its supervision.
Judicial officers at the meeting were also reportedly cautioned against maintaining close ties with political actors in order to preserve the independence and integrity of the bench.
Amid the growing tension, Justice Peter Akhihiero was said to have urged judicial officers to embrace dialogue in resolving disagreements with the state government rather than allowing the situation to degenerate further.
He reportedly advocated the setting up of a delegation of senior judges to engage Governor Monday Okpebholo with a view to resolving the issues straining relations between the two arms of government.
Justice Akhihiero was also said to have appealed to members of the judiciary to support Justice Asemota’s appointment, describing it as a positive step for the state’s justice system.
His intervention reportedly received support from a majority of judges present at the meeting.
Justice Asemota was also said to have appealed for peace and cooperation among stakeholders, urging collective efforts toward strengthening the Customary Court of Appeal.
Despite the conciliatory moves, sources disclosed that some interests within the judiciary are still opposed to her eventual confirmation as substantive president of the court and may challenge the process before the National Judicial Council.
The scheduled swearing-in of Justice Asemota by Governor Okpebholo on Monday was, however, postponed indefinitely, although no official explanation was given for the development.
Meanwhile, Justice Efe Ikponwonba has also emerged as a prominent figure in the contest surrounding the leadership of the Customary Court of Appeal.
The dispute over the court’s leadership is further complicated by ongoing legal proceedings linked to the appointment process.
Sources disclosed that a suit challenging aspects of the process was recently dismissed for lack of merit and locus standi, although an appeal has reportedly been filed.
When contacted for comment, the Chief Registrar of the Edo State High Court, Benson Osawaru, declined to comment extensively on the matter.
“I am not aware of the issues. I honestly advise that you speak with the Chief Judge,” he said.
However, another senior judiciary source acknowledged that there were elements of truth in the concerns being raised.
“Put your facts together and publish,” the source added.
