Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has cautioned judges in the state to resist corrupt influence and undue pressure from friends, associates, or other interests, warning that such acts could erode public confidence in the judiciary.

The governor gave the warning on Monday in Ado-Ekiti while swearing in five newly appointed judges of the Ekiti State High Court.

He urged the judicial officers to remain upright, impartial, and committed to the speedy and fair dispensation of justice, stressing that justice must never be perceived as a privilege for the wealthy or the powerful.

Oyebanji emphasized that the credibility of the judiciary rests on integrity and public trust, not on personal connections, wealth, or status.

He charged the judges to uphold the Constitution and carry out their duties without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.

The newly sworn-in judges are Olanike Caroline Adegoke, Julius Sunday Bamise, Julius Ajibare, Stephen Akinyede, and Adefunke Anoma.

According to the governor, their appointments followed a rigorous and transparent process, which included public complaint reviews and interviews conducted by a seven-member committee in line with the 2023 Revised guidelines of the National Judicial Council.