Follow Us on Google
From Oluseye Ojo, Ibadan
Chief Judge (CJ) of Oyo State, Justice Munta Abimbola, yesterday swore-in 15 new magistrates and nine presidents of the newly introduced Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts.
The swearing in ceremony, which took place at the conference room of the Oyo State High Court, was graced by the chairman of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in the state, Akeem Agbaje; former NBA chairman, Kazeem Gbadamosi; Chief Adebayo Akande, former chief judge, Justice Nurudeen Adekola and former commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ojo Adebayo.
Abimbola, in his remarks, told the magistrates and the presidents that they “are coming in at a time when the perception of the public about administration of justice is at its lowest ebb. You have to redeem that image.”
He acknowledged the assistance and contributions of Governor Abiola Ajimobi, whom he said, “made it possible for us to take this giant leap in the judiciary of Oyo State.” The CJ said the new appointments would help in solving the delays in administration of justice, adding: “We only have 20 magistrates in Oyo State. We have almost 465 cases, pending in each of the courts; that is why we have a lot of delays in the magistrate courts.”
According to Abimbola, the introduction of Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts and appointments of their presidents marked the beginning of restructuring of administration of justice, particularly criminal administration of justice in the state.
“In order to make them more functional, they will be showcasing the customary laws of Oyo State.”
They will ensure the compliance and enforcement of the customary laws of Oyo State, unless those aspects of the customary laws that are repugnant to natural justice, equity and good conscience, but those that are enforceable, particularly the non-recognised chieftaincies.
“We will ensure that we increase their jurisdictions so that most of these cases that are causing delays in our high courts will now go to Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts, those that will be trained to have knowledge in customary courts.”
