Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has appointed Justice Iyabo Yerima as Acting Chief Judge of Oyo State and sworn her in today at the executive chamber secretariat in Ibadan.
The appointment followed the recent retirement of Justice Munta Abimbola as the state chief judge. With the appointment, Yerima becomes the second female chief judge after the retired Justice Bolajoko Adeniji.
During the swearing-in ceremony, Makinde insisted that his administration would ensure a continued working governance system despite seeking re-election adding, “I promised the people of Oyo state on May 29th 2019 during my inauguration that I will deliver good governance with no distractions by the campaign.”
He said, “Last week, we were in Oyo for a campaign, yet good governance will continue. Like people say campaign disrupts governance, we are still in a good administrative capacity, such as we have seen today appointing Justice Iyabo Yerima as an acting chief judge, to fill up the vacancy left by the retired Justice Muktar Abimbola whom I believe is up to the task. Even after now, we are going for a campaign at Akinyele shortly, yet will never affect good governance in the state.”
SSG, Olubamwo Adeosun, Justice Abass, Myself, and now Justice Iyabo Yerima, all of us are from Ibadan North East, let other constituencies be anticipatory”, he concluded.
In her acceptance message, Justice Yerima appreciated the state governor for appointing her; pledged to deliver a worthwhile justice for the sustained development of the state.
According to her profile obtained on the state government website, Hon. Justice Iyabo Subulade Yerima was born on the 8th day of September 1958 into the illustrious family of Akinloye of Oje-Itutaba Ibadan, in Ibadan North East Local Government.
She attended Omolewa Nursery and Primary School, Oritamefa, Ibadan from 1962 – 1969 and St Margret Girl’s Secondary School, Ilesa from January 1970 – July 1974. She also attended Ibadan Grammar School, Ibadan from 1974 – 1975. She did her A-level at The Polytechnic, Ibadan from 1975 – 1977. His lordship was in the University of Ife (now O.A.U) Ile-Ife, from 1977 – 1981, where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in English and Philosophy, before proceeding to the University of Buckingham, United Kingdom (September 1981 – December 1983) for her L.L.B.
She proceeded to the Nigerian Law School, Lagos for her B.L. (Barrister at Law) and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985.
She served her NYSC in the Faculty of Law, University of Ife, as an Assistant to the Faculty Officer and in the Law Reporting Section, from 1985 – 1986.
His lordship began her legal career in Kaduna State, with her pupillage at Baba Amartey & Co. (Barristers & Solicitors) and went on to set up her own flourishing Law office/Chambers – Yerima & Co. (Barristers & Solicitors) also in Zaria, Kaduna State, from May 1986 – April 2001.
His Lordship was sworn in as a Judge of the High court of Oyo State in June 2001.
His Lordship has attended several International and National Conferences.
She has received several awards, among which are:
- Merit Award from the Lower Court Judges Association of Oyo State (December2022)
- ExemplaryLeadership Award (July 2012)
She has served on several committees, one of which is – the Chairman, Sub-Committee on Non-Custodial Sentencing, Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee, Oyo State. She is currently the Administrative Judge for the Oyo State Judiciary.
His lordship enjoys Reading, Travelling, Organization of Social and Administrative functions, she is also an active participant in Church and Evangelistic Activities.
She is married, with children and grandchildren.
