BENIN CITY – Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the appointment of Hon. Justice Mary Nekpen Asemota as the Acting President of the Edo State Customary Court of Appeal.

The appointment was announced in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq.

According to the statement, the appointment is in line with Section 55(1) of the Customary Court of Appeal (Re-establishment) Law of Edo State, 2025, which empowers the Governor to appoint the most senior serving judge of the defunct Customary Court of Appeal as Acting President pending the recommendation of a substantive president and judges by the National Judicial Council (NJC).

The government explained that Justice Asemota emerged as the most senior judge of the former Customary Court of Appeal who is still serving within the Edo State Judiciary and is therefore qualified for the position under the provisions of the law.

Justice Asemota is widely regarded as a distinguished jurist with more than four decades of experience in the Nigerian legal system. Her career has spanned private legal practice, customary court administration, appellate adjudication at the Edo State Customary Court of Appeal, and service on the High Court Bench.

Since her appointment as a Judge of the Edo State High Court in March 2016, she has continued to contribute significantly to the administration of justice through her extensive legal expertise, institutional knowledge, and commitment to judicial excellence.

The state government noted that her professional journey has been marked by integrity, leadership, and pioneering achievements, making her well-suited for the new role.

Justice Asemota is expected to be sworn into office by Governor Okpebholo at a date to be announced.