NBA Tackles Makinde Over Poor Funding of Judiciary

The Ibadan branch of the Nigerian Bar Association has voiced strong dissatisfaction with the state of the judiciary in Oyo State under Governor Seyi Makinde's administration. For seven years, the NBA has appealed to the governor to address the systemic neglect plaguing the courts, particularly at the grassroots level. The continued non-inauguration of Presidents for the Customary Courts, which serve as the primary access to justice for many citizens, is a grave concern. Furthermore, the Rent Tribunals and Customary Courts have been rendered non-functional, leaving a significant gap in the state's justice delivery system.

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The Nigerian Bar Association, Ibadan branch, has decried inadequate funding of the judiciary and non-functionality of Rent Tribunals as well as Customary Courts in the state.

The NBA's chairman, Ibrahim Lawal, highlighted the dire conditions, including the lack of official vehicles for magistrates. It is unacceptable, he stated, that magistrates, who preside over criminal cases, must share public transport with the very individuals they judge, or worse, accept rides from parties involved in cases before them. This situation not only compromises the dignity of these judicial officers but also undermines the independence of the judiciary. The recent disconnection of electricity supply to the Customary Court of Appeal due to unpaid bills further underscores the extent of neglect.

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The governor in the last seven years had failed to inaugurate the Presidents of the Grace C Customay Courts, stressing that these were the courts that brought justice to the people at the grassroots.

This neglect has broader implications for Oyo State. The NBA rightly points out that economic development cannot flourish without a robust and functional justice system. The current state of affairs, with dilapidated court facilities and a lack of basic resources, sends a discouraging message about the value placed on justice in the state. As the governor's tenure nears its end, the NBA's urgent appeal is for him to take decisive action to rectify these critical issues, ensuring that the judiciary can effectively fulfill its role in upholding the rule of law and serving the people of Oyo State.

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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.