Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Opeyemi Oke, has cautioned newly-appointed magistrates in the state not to compromise the integrity and impartiality of the courts.

Oke also told them to be blind to personality and status and remain the hope of all men, whether common or uncommon.

She spoke on Tuesday at the swearing in of the three new magistrates at Ikeja High Court.

The magistrates are : Olufunke Ogunjobi, Tanimola Ajose and Oluwatosin Akingbesote.

Their appointment brings to 133 the number of magistrates who are currently serving in the Lagos State judiciary.

The chief judge said: “You must remain blind to personality and status and remain the hope of all men, whether common or uncommon.

“Hence, the integrity and impartiality of our courts must not be compromised.

“You are coming into the Lagos State Judiciary at a time when there is a lot of work to
be done.

“I believe that having successfully scaled the requisite constitutional and institutional requirements, you are no doubt ready to face these tasks head on.”

Oke added: “It is important that you have adequate knowledge of the relevant laws as
judicial competence is a sacred judicial value that cannot be jeopardized.”

She said their appointment was part of ongoing efforts to ensure speedy and efficient dispensation of justice in the state and urged them to be hardworking and diligent in their
new roles.

Reeling out the virtues of judicial officers, Oke also emphasised the need to be firm, honest and unwavering in the discharge of their duties and closed their doors against personalities.

Earlier in her address of welcome, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Judicial Service Commission, Olufunmilayo Salami urged the new magistrates to be of impeccable conduct.

“May I remind you that by this appointment, your conduct and carriage will become subject of public scrutiny.

“You must, therefore, maintain a high standard of professional competence and integrity to be able to dispense justice to all manners of people particularly at the grassroots level without fear or favour, affection or ill will,” she said.

Ajose, who responded on behalf of his colleagues, thanked the chief judge for the opportunity given them to serve.

He said :“We sincerely appreciate the Lagos State Government for the opportunity given us to serve in our capacity as magistrates.

“We will serve with the highest sense of integrity and dedication.”