The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday formally confirmed the appointment of Hon. Justice Joseph Olubunmi Kayode Oyewole, a Justice of the Court of Appeal, as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
The confirmation came after the upper chamber considered and adopted the report of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, which was presented by its chairman, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC, Ondo Central). The committee was tasked with screening the nominee and assessing his suitability for elevation to the apex court.
While presenting the report, Senator Adegbonmire informed the Senate that the committee had thoroughly examined Justice Oyewole’s professional background, judicial experience, and overall competence. He stated that the panel found the nominee to be eminently qualified and fit to serve at the Supreme Court.
“The Senate is urged to receive and consider the report of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters on the confirmation of the nomination of Hon. Justice Joseph Olubunmi Kayode Oyewole, JCA, as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria,” Adegbonmire said while moving the motion for adoption.
Justice Oyewole’s nomination followed a formal request from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who last week wrote to the Senate seeking legislative approval for the appointment. The President’s letter was read on the floor of the Senate by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In the letter, President Tinubu cited Section 231(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) as the constitutional authority for the nomination. He expressed confidence in Justice Oyewole’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to the administration of justice at the highest level.
“Pursuant to Section 231(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, I am pleased to forward for confirmation by the Senate the appointment of Hon. Justice Oyewole Kayode as Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria,” the President wrote. He also urged the Senate to consider the request promptly.
Following the reading of the letter, Senate President Akpabio referred the nomination to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for legislative scrutiny. After conducting a detailed screening exercise, which included a review of Justice Oyewole’s judicial record and responses to questions, the committee submitted a favourable report.
The Senate subsequently adopted the committee’s recommendation without opposition, leading to the unanimous confirmation of Justice Oyewole’s appointment. His elevation is expected to strengthen the Supreme Court as it continues to address critical legal and constitutional issues across the country.
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