The senate has approved the nomination of Joseph Oyewole for appointment as a justice of the supreme court.
His confirmation followed the consideration and unanimous adoption of a report by the senate committee on judiciary, human rights and legal matters.
Niyi Adegbonmire, chairman of the committee and senator representing Ondo central, presented the report during plenary, noting that the nominee was thoroughly screened and found qualified for elevation to the apex court.
“The committee screened the nominee and asked him questions, which he answered intelligently,” he said.
Adegbonmire added that the committee was satisfied with Oyewole’s competence, experience and judicial temperament, and therefore recommended his confirmation.
The senate adopted the report without opposition, thereby confirming Oyewole’s appointment.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier written to the senate requesting 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 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 nominees for appointment into various judicial positions nationwide.
Born on May 13, 1965, Oyewole is from Ila-Orangun in Osun state.
He takes up the south-west slot vacated after the retirement of Olukayode Ariwoola, former chief justice of Nigeria.
While congratulating the new justice, Akpabio offered prayers for divine guidance as Oyewole assumes office.
“I pray that God will grant him the wisdom to do justice to all and sundry, irrespective of circumstances,” he said.
Akpabio also praised the chairman and members of the senate committee for their efficiency.
“I congratulate the chairman of the committee, Adegbonmire Adeniyi Ayodele, and all members for the speedy manner in which they carried out this assignment,” he said.
“I congratulate Bola Tinubu on finding a square peg in a square hole, which has made it possible for the senate to collectively and unanimously endorse this nomination as a justice of the supreme court of Nigeria.”
He expressed confidence that Oyewole’s appointment would further strengthen justice delivery in the country.
“Through Oyewole and others already there, justice will be served to the common man in this country, and justice will be served even to the senators,” he added.