Osun state Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has reiterated his support for the state judiciary with a view to make the interpretation of law more convenient for the judges. He stated this during a valedictory court session and Sent-forth ceremony held in honour of Honourable Justice Moshud Adekunle Adeigbe, who bowed out from service.

Aregbesola who promised that he would strive to further strengthen the judiciary, noted that his administration has never interfered nor influenced any judgement since he became governor in the state.

Aregbesola who was represented by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Ajibola Basiru, described the retired judge as a "hardworking, incorruptible and God-fearing person. He appreciated the contribution of the retired judge to the judiciary in Osun state, while praying that his retirement would be fruitful for him.

Speaking, the Chief Judge of the state, Hon. Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo, expressed her happiness that Justice Adeigbe was retiring at 65 years after serving the state for 11 years. She said, "I wish I have the capacity to grant an order extending the tenure of the judge. We wouldn't have allowed Justice Adeigbe to go now. "Posterity would remember him for doing his best in contributing to the development of judiciary in the state," the CJ submitted.

In his response, Justice Adeigbe expressed gratitude to Allah, his wives and the entire judiciary for their support. He expressed sadness over the pain the retired Judges are passing through, appealing to stakeholders in the sector to find solution to it. "Retired Judges are finding it difficult when the state government are not paying their retirement especially in Osun state where the state government is paying half salary to the retiree. "My colleague that retired about two years ago have not been paid their gratuities till today, I'm happy the Attorney General is here today, he should note this, is not good enough. "Federal government should increase allocation while the state government should increase their Internally Generated revenue. The gratuity of a retired judge should not be delayed.

The event was attended by Chief Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Akin Onigbinde (SAN), Yomi Aliu (SAN), a justice of the supreme court, Olukayode Ariwoola, former Attorney General of Oyo state, Adebayo Ojo, Professor Femi Odunsi, Dean, Faculty of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife. The Ondo state Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), was represented by the Attorney General of Ondo state, Hon. Adegbola Olawoye, many Judges from Oyo state, traditional rulers, lawyers and friends of the retiring judge, among others.

Adeyinka Adeleke, Press Officer, State of Osun High Court of Justice.