THE Customary Court of Appeal in Oyo state will take off soon, Chief Judge of Oyo state, Justice Munta Abimbola has disclosed.
Abimbola who disclosed this when Governor Abiola Ajimobi visited state High Court, Ibadan, on Ibadan, attributed the delayed take off of the court to the ongoing renovation of the proposed court buildings, need for more vehicles and housing for the judges, among other welfare packages.
In getting ready for the customary court take off and invitation of the Nigeria Judicial Council team, Abimbola said Grade A Customary Court Presidents and new magistrates had been commissioned.
He further disclosed that plans had been activated to put up a multi door court structure to enhance Alternative Dispute Resolution practice in the state.
Also, Ajimobi has directed the Attorney General to ensure the passage of a law to establish the Oyo State Multi Door Court House as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism for easier access to justice and decongestion of dockets (cases for trial).
Ajimobi stated that he had assented to the Community Service Law and Administration of Criminal Justice Law to allow for community service punishment alternative and the speedy administration of justice.
He also assured of approval of request for more vehicles, housing, through continued increase in budgetary support for the judiciary.
“I have also directed the AG to ensure the passage of a law to establish the Oyo State Multi Door Court House as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism for easier access to justice and decongestion of dockets (cases for trial).
“Similarly I have assented to the Community Service Law to ensure alternative sentencing regime is available in Oyo state for offenders in minor cases. This is part of our ongoing efforts to decongest the prisons,” he said, pledging his continued support for the judiciary, which, he said, remained the last and only hope of the common man.
