Senate Clears Appeal Court Justice Oyewole for Supreme Court Bench

The Senate on Tuesday confirmed the nomination of Justice Joseph Olubunmi Kayode Oyewole as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, following the adoption of the report of its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters.

The confirmation came after the committee, chaired by Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC, Ondo Central), presented its findings and recommended the nominee for approval after a screening exercise.

Presenting the report during plenary, Adegbonmire urged lawmakers to endorse the committee’s recommendation, stating that Justice Oyewole, currently serving at the Court of Appeal, met the constitutional and professional requirements for elevation to the apex court.

He said the committee carefully reviewed the nominee’s credentials, experience, and record of service before arriving at its decision.

Justice Oyewole’s nomination was earlier forwarded to the Senate by President Bola Tinubu in a letter read on the floor by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The President cited Section 231(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) in seeking legislative confirmation.

The letter requested the Senate to consider and confirm the appointment of Justice Oyewole as part of efforts to strengthen the Supreme Court bench.

Following the referral of the nomination to the judiciary committee and its subsequent screening process, the Senate approved the appointment through a voice vote.

Justice Oyewole is expected to be sworn in at a later date.