Yoruba icon becomes first black Judge In Canada

By Samuel Ogunsona

A Yoruba man had become the first black Judge in Canada, the North America country.

Olugbenga Sholeye was this week elected as the new Judge at the Provincial Courts of Alberta, Canada.

Sholeye is one of the eight lawyers appointed different judicial positions.

Irohinoodua was informed that only lawyers with at least 10 years at the bar can apply to become a Provincial Court in Canada apart from considerations for ethnics, knowledge and dignity.

The committee in-charge of the judicial Council had selected candidates after interviews and recommendations to the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General.

Olugbenga obtained his Bachelor of Laws in 1980 and his Master of Laws in 1984, both from the University of Ife, Nigeria.

He earned a Doctor of Philosophy of Laws in 1995 in Nigeria and a Master of Laws from the University of Alberta in 2003.

He worked as a law professor in Nigeria and practised in Edmonton, most recently as legal counsel for the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench.

His appointment is to Edmonton Criminal Division.

According to the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General, Kaycee Madu, who shared a goodwill messages to the appointed judges.

He said, “I congratulate all these worthy appointees and wish them success in their new roles as judges of the Provincial Court of Alberta. This group of appointees represents the diversity present in Alberta and will help increase access to justice for Albertans.

“These appointments make progress on my commitment to have our justice system reflect Alberta today. Our province will be better served by the elevation of these appointees to the11 bench, and I thank them for agreeing to serve Alberta.”