The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Joseph Oyewole as a justice of the Supreme Court.
The confirmation followed the consideration and unanimous adoption of a report by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters at plenary.
Niyi Adegbonmire, chairman of the committee and senator representing Ondo Central, presented the report, stating that the nominee was screened and found suitable for appointment to the apex court.
“The committee screened the nominee and asked him questions, which he answered intelligently,” Mr Adegbonmire said.
He added that the committee was satisfied with Justice Oyewole’s competence, experience and judicial temperament and recommended his confirmation.
The Senate adopted the report without dissent, thereby confirming the appointment.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier written to the Senate seeking legislative confirmation of Oyewole’s nomination.
The letter was read on the floor of the Senate 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 currently serves as presiding justice of the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division.
He was recommended alongside 35 other candidates for appointment to various judicial offices across the country.
Born on May 13, 1965, Joseph Oyewole is an indigene of Ila-Orangun in Osun State.
He fills the South-West slot vacated following the retirement of Olukayode Ariwoola, former Chief Justice of Nigeria.
Congratulating the nominee, Senator Akpabio prayed for 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 commended members of the Senate Committee on Judiciary for their work on the assignment.
“I congratulate the chairman of the committee, Adegbonmire Adeniyi Ayodele, and all members for the manner in which they carried out this assignment,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the appointment would support 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.
