Okpebholo Appoints Justice Mary Asemota Acting President of Edo Customary Court of Appeal

By Ojo Evans 

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the appointment of Hon. Justice Mary Nekpen Asemota as Acting President of the Edo State Customary Court of Appeal. The announcement was made by the state government on Monday, June 1, 2026.

The appointment was contained in a special announcement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq. The government said the move is in line with Section 55(1) of the Customary Court of Appeal (Re-establishment) Law of Edo State, 2025.

According to the law, pending the National Judicial Council’s recommendation of a substantive president and judges, the governor shall appoint as acting president the most senior judge of the defunct Customary Court of Appeal who is still serving. The provision references Section 281(4) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

The government stated that Justice Asemota is the most senior judge of the defunct Customary Court of Appeal still serving in the Edo State Judiciary and eligible for the role. She will hold the position in acting capacity until substantive appointments are made.

Justice Asemota is described as a distinguished jurist with over four decades of experience in Nigeria’s legal system. Her career spans private legal practice, customary court administration, appellate adjudication at the Edo State Customary Court of Appeal, and service on the High Court bench.

Since March 2016, she has served as a Judge of the High Court of Justice, Edo State. The announcement noted that her tenure on the bench has been marked by deep legal knowledge, extensive institutional experience, and commitment to justice administration.

Justice M. N. Asemota will be sworn into office by Governor Okpebholo in due course. The government said her appointment reflects her legacy of service, leadership, and judicial excellence.