The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Joseph Oyewole as a Justice of the Supreme Court.
The confirmation came after the Senate considered and unanimously adopted the report of its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters.
Presenting the report at plenary, Niyi Adegbonmire, the committee chairman, who represents Ondo Central, said the nominee was thoroughly screened and found qualified for elevation to the apex court.
According to him, “the committee screened the nominee and asked him questions, which he answered intelligently.”
Adegbonmire said the panel was satisfied with Oyewole’s competence, experience and judicial temperament, and consequently recommended his confirmation.
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The Senate adopted the committee’s report without opposition, thereby approving Oyewole’s appointment.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier written to the Senate seeking legislative confirmation of the nomination.
The letter was read on the floor of the chamber by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary on January 27.
The request followed Oyewole’s recommendation by the National Judicial Council (NJC) at its 110th meeting held on January 13 and 14.
Oyewole is currently the presiding justice of the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division. He was recommended alongside 35 other candidates for appointment into various judicial offices across the country.
Born on May 13, 1965, Oyewole is an indigene of Ila-Orangun in Osun State. He fills the South-West slot on the Supreme Court bench vacated by the retirement of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola.
Congratulating the newly confirmed justice, Akpabio offered prayers for divine guidance as he assumes office.
“I pray that God will grant him the wisdom to do justice to all and sundry, irrespective of circumstances,” he said.
The Senate President also commended the chairman and members of the judiciary committee for their diligence.
“I congratulate the chairman of the committee, Adegbonmire Adeniyi Ayodele, and all members for the speedy manner in which they carried out this assignment,” Akpabio said.
He further congratulated President Tinubu for the nomination, describing it as well
