NBA tackles Makinde over alleged maltreatment, neglect of judiciary
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan branch, has condemned what it described as inadequate funding of the judiciary in Oyo State, citing the non-functionality of Rent Tribunals and Customary Courts.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan branch, has condemned what it described as inadequate funding of the judiciary in Oyo State, citing the non-functionality of Rent Tribunals and Customary Courts.
Chairman of the branch, Ibrahim Lawal, spoke at the weekend while hosting members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, during a courtesy visit to the Aare Afe Babalola Bar Centre, Ibadan.
Lawal described the condition of the judiciary in the state as unimpressive, noting that the association had repeatedly appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to address persistent challenges, particularly at the level of lower courts.
He expressed concern that the governor had, over the past seven years, failed to inaugurate Presidents of the Grade C Customary Courts, which he said play a critical role in delivering justice at the grassroots.
According to him, both the Customary Courts and Rent Tribunals have remained largely inactive, warning that sustainable economic development cannot be achieved without a functional and well-supported justice system.
Lawal further noted that the Grade C Customary Courts last operated during the administration of former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, adding that the NBA looks forward to a revitalised justice sector capable of effectively serving the people.
Lawal said, “Some Magistrates in the state don’t have official vehicles. We have said this repeatedly and made several representations to the government to address it.
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“It is unacceptable that a magistrate who sits in judgment over criminals has to board the same bus as those same individuals.
“It is equally troubling that a magistrate without a personal vehicle may have to accept a ride from someone who has a case before them.
“This compromises both dignity and independence. We use this opportunity to appeal to Governor Makinde to urgently take action and address these challenges before leaving office.
“The condition of our courts is also deeply concerning, particularly the Magistrates’ and the state Customary Courts of Appeal. Many of them are in poor condition with no comfort for those working there. These judicial officers are our colleagues and deserve better treatment,” Lawal said.
The NBA chairman also said that electricity supply to the Customary Court of Appeal was recently disconnected by IBEDC, due to unpaid electricity bills.
This, he said, showed the level of neglect in the state judiciary.
Lawal further said that the situation in the State Ministry of Justice was equally disturbing and did not reflect the standard expected of such an institution.
He said that staff at the state Ministry of Justice sometimes appeal to some individuals for basic support to run the ministry.
“For instance, the generator currently in use was donated by a private individual and the law library once in a deplorable state, was refurbished through private intervention,” he said.
The chairman added that the level of neglect extended across various sections of the state judiciary.
According to him, the conditions of the courts outside Ibadan were even worse, with inadequate transportation allowances and reduced salaries for judicial staff.
He said Governor Makinde might have performed well in other sectors in the state, but had clearly not prioritised reform in the state judiciary.
The chairman noted that the ongoing court construction project at the state High Court Complex, Ring Road, Ibadan, remained uncompleted.
He furthered that the appointment of judges in the state judiciary had been slowed as basic provisions such as official vehicles were often delayed.
“The bar will continue to advocate for both the bench and the public. Our goal is to strengthen the justice system and uphold the rule of law.
“We will continue to speak out because judges themselves cannot. We remain committed to advocating for a better judiciary and will continue to speak out until meaningful reforms are achieved,” he said.
Lawal pledged the commitment of the bar in collaborating with the media in areas of training to better equip journalists covering legal matters to better understand court processes and terminology.
Earlier, Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ, Mr Yinka Adeniran, had solicited for the NBA’s assistance in training members in order to improve their knowledge in reporting judiciary matters.
