• The state of Washington in the USA has appointed Edirin Okoloko, a Nigerian as a judge in Snohomish County of the state. He is set to replace the retiring George Bowden under whom he worked as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for 13 years and handled a number of eye-catching cases that involved sexual assault, child abuse, homicide, and elder abuse cases.

    What is surprising to many however is the fact that he obtained his Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria before proceeding to Seattle University School of Law.

    Okoloko, who hails from Ekakpamre in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State - a neighbouring state to Edo State; both of which until 27 August 1991 (when they were divided to Edo and Delta) was referred to as Bendel State.

    Judging by how the news of his appointment was received, it is obvious that Okoloko is very popular and well-respected figure in the United States - much of which was gained during his time in the violent crime, property crime, and District Court units.

    He has also represented the Attorney General's Office on the Snohomish County's Multiple Agency Response Team which investigates incidents of suspected excessive force by police officers.

    Records show that he has also prosecuted several murder cases and gained worthy recognition for multiple jury trials.

    You will recall that Jude O. Nkama, a Nigerian, on January 6th, 2016 became the first African to be appointed as a judge in the 349-year history of the city and State of New Jersey, USA.

    Speaking on Edirin Okoloko appointment, Governor of the state of Washington, Jay Inslee said:

    “Edirin has a clear dedication to the legal profession and a successful history of bringing justice to some of our state’s most vulnerable crime victims,”

    “He will be an excellent addition to the bench in Snohomish County.”

    Governor of his home state in Nigeria, Ifeanyi Okowa has heaped praise on Okoloko, saying he is a shining example of Deltans who make the region proud, and that the honour was “well deserved considering Okoloko’s astute contributions to the legal profession and a rich history of bringing justice to endangered crime victims in the state of Washington.”

    We wish Edirin Okoloko the best in his new endeavour.

    Thank you for making Africa proud!