A cold war is brewing between the Edo State judiciary and the executive arm of government following alleged disagreements over appointments and the executive interference in contracts execution in the state’s judicial sector.

One major source of the disaffection is said to be the slashing of the capital budget of the judiciary from N6 billion under the previous government to N300 million without any explanation.

It was learnt that the frosty relationship between the two arms of government blew open during a meeting of High Court judges last Friday in Benin, where concerns were allegedly raised over what some judicial officers described as increasing executive interference in judicial matters.

Discussions were said to have centred on the recent appointment of Justice Mary Asemota as acting president of the Edo State Customary Court of Appeal and the handling of judicial infrastructure projects by the government.

Besides, concerns, according to sources at the meeting, were expressed over the direct involvement of the executive in the renovation of court facilities, particularly the ongoing rehabilitation of the High Court in Irrua, said to have been valued at about N500 million.

Consequently, some judges reportedly argued that such projects had previously been coordinated through the judiciary and could be executed more cost-effectively.

It was also gathered that judges were warned at the meeting against close association with political actors to avoid undermining the independence of the judiciary by executive influence.

The intervention of Justice Peter Akhime Akhihiero was said to have lowered tempers when he urged judicial officers to embrace dialogue rather than confrontation in resolving differences with the state government.

He was said to have advocated for a delegation of senior judges to engage Governor Monday Okpebholo with a view to resolving the issues between the two arms of government.

Justice Akikhero also called on members of the judiciary to support Justice Asemota’s appointment, describing it as a positive development for the state’s justice system.

His remarks, sources at the meeting said, drew applause from a majority of the judges present, reflecting apparent support for the appointment.

Justice Asemota was also said to have appealed for peace and cooperation, urging stakeholders to work collectively towards strengthening the Customary Court of Appeal.

Notwithstanding, it was learnt that moves are being made by opposing interests within the judiciary to challenge her eventual confirmation as substantive president of the court through petitions to the National Judicial Council.

The expected swearing-in of Justice Asemota last Monday by Governor Okpebholo was postponed to a date yet to be announced. No reason was given for the postponement.

Meanwhile, Justice Efe Ikponwonba, considered by another camp as a preferred candidate for the position, has also emerged in the ongoing contest over the court’s leadership.

The dispute over the Customary Court headship is said to have been further complicated by the ongoing legal battles 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 on the issues, Chief Registrar of the Edo State High Court, Benson Osawaru declined to speak.

“I am not aware of the issues. I honestly advise that you speak with the Chief Judge,” he said.

But another top judiciary source in the state said there were elements of truth in the inquiry.

“Put your facts together and publish,” he added. (The Sun)

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