The Oyo state House of Assembly has confirmed the nomination of Hon. Justice Subulade Yerima as the substantive chief judge of the state.
Yerima has been in an acting capacity since 16th January 2023 when Justice Muntar Abimbola bowed out of the Bench in great honour.
The confirmation of his appointment came at a plenary presided over by the deputy speaker of the house of assembly, Hon. Abiodun Mohammed Fadeyi on Wednesday.
Hon. A.O Mustapha, the chairman committee on petitions and judiciary had recommended the confirmation of Yerima, the majority leader, adopted it seconded by Hon. Babajide, before it was adopted by the entire house.
In their separate comments, lawmakers representing Ibadan North II state and Ibadan north east II constituencies, Hon. Babajide as Hon. Olusola Owolabi described Yerima as “a woman of integrity whose appointment would foster a rapid transformation of the judicial system in the state.
While addressing the members of the house of assembly, Hon. Justice Yerima said she will do her best to ensure a new judiciary in Oyo State.
“A greater challenge has been vested on me, to make Oyo state judiciary a pride of South West, and Nigeria. I’ll also ensure digitalization to ensure effectiveness in the Oyo Judiciary system, She stated
“We will also ensure infrastructure in our courts, because there are a lot of things that needs to be in order, so we’ll make sure that everything is put in place and ensure that Oyo State is the pride of Africa”
Hon. Justice Iyabo Subulade Yerima was born on the 8th day 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 in The Polytechnic, Ibadan from 1975 – 1977.
His lordship was in 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 (December, 2022)
*ExemplaryLeadership Award (July 2012)
She has served on several committees, one of which is – 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.
