A former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Hazeem Gbolarumi, has been sworn in as a Notary Public of Nigeria.
The oath of office was administered by the Deputy Registrar (Litigation), Mr Abdulateef Adebisi, during a ceremony held at the Oyo State High Court, Ibadan.
Gbolarumi was sworn in alongside 21 other legal practitioners by the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Mrs Iyabo Yerima.
A notary public is a legal practitioner authorised to prepare, certify and authenticate documents, as well as serve as an impartial witness in the execution of important legal transactions.
Speaking with journalists after the ceremony, Gbolarumi expressed gratitude for the appointment, noting that he had applied for the position in 2024.
He described the development as significant, both personally and professionally, and pledged to uphold the integrity and standards of the profession.
“I will do my very best to contribute positively and uphold the standards expected of the profession,” he said.
Highlighting the competitiveness of the process, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain noted that thousands of lawyers applied for the position nationwide.
“When you consider the thousands of lawyers applying, maybe between 10,000 and 20,000, it is very competitive. So, being granted the opportunity is significant,” he added.
Gbolarumi identified accuracy and integrity as essential qualities for the role, stressing that the position demands a high level of responsibility and commitment.
Also speaking, one of the newly sworn-in notaries, Mrs Fatimoh Gbadamosi, emphasised the importance of honesty and impartiality in the discharge of duties.
According to her, the role requires strict adherence to truth, as notaries are entrusted with witnessing transactions and authenticating documents.
“These duties can only be carried out by someone of proven integrity,” she said.
