EDO GOVERNMENT APPOINTS JUSTICE MARY ASEMOTA AS ACTING PRESIDENT OF CUSTOMARY COURT OF APPEAL

Kingsley Ohens reporting

BENIN CITY, June 1, 2026 — The Edo State Government has announced the appointment of Hon. Justice Mary Nekpen Asemota as the Acting President of the Edo State Customary Court of Appeal.

The appointment was approved by Governor Monday Okpebholo in accordance with the provisions of the Edo State Customary Court of Appeal (Re-establishment) Law, 2025, pending the recommendation and appointment of a substantive President and Judges of the Court by the National Judicial Council (NJC).

According to a government statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq., the appointment is guided by Section 55(1) of the Customary Court of Appeal (Re-establishment) Law, 2025, which empowers the Governor to appoint the most senior serving Judge of the defunct Customary Court of Appeal as Acting President, pending the exercise of the NJC’s constitutional powers.

The government stated that Hon. Justice Asemota emerged as the eligible candidate for the position, being the most senior Judge of the defunct Edo State Customary Court of Appeal who remains in active judicial service within the Edo State Judiciary.

Justice Asemota is widely regarded as one of the state’s most experienced judicial officers, with a distinguished legal career spanning more than four decades. Her professional journey has encompassed private legal practice, service in the Customary Court system, appellate adjudication at the Edo State Customary Court of Appeal, and judicial service at the High Court.

The government noted that her career has been defined by exceptional professionalism, integrity, leadership, and dedication to the administration of justice.

Since her elevation to the Edo State High Court Bench in March 2016, Justice Asemota has continued to contribute significantly to the development of the state’s justice system through her extensive legal expertise and institutional experience.

The appointment is expected to strengthen the re-established Customary Court of Appeal and support the effective administration of customary law within the state, pending the constitution of the court’s substantive leadership.

The government further disclosed that Justice Asemota will be formally sworn into office by Governor Okpebholo at a date to be announced.

Her appointment marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts of the Edo State Government to reinforce judicial institutions and enhance access to justice across the state.