The Ibadan branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has raised concerns over what it described as chronic underfunding of the judiciary in Oyo State, as well as the continued non-functionality of Rent Tribunals and Customary Courts across the state.
Chairman of the branch, Ibrahim Lawal, made the remarks when he received executives of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council.
Lawal described the condition of the state’s judicial system as “unimpressive,” noting that repeated appeals had been made to Governor Seyi Makinde to address the challenges, particularly at the lower court level.
According to him, the Governor had yet to inaugurate Presidents of the Grace C Customary Courts in the last seven years, adding that these courts remain critical to grassroots justice delivery.
He lamented that both the Customary Courts and Rent Tribunals have remained largely inactive, warning that meaningful economic development would be difficult without a functional justice system.
Lawal recalled that the Grace C Customary Courts last operated during the administration of the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, stressing that the NBA would welcome efforts to revive and strengthen the judicial system to serve citizens effectively.
He also drew attention to the working conditions of magistrates in the state, noting that some do not have official vehicles.
“It is unacceptable that a magistrate who sits in judgment over criminals has to board the same bus as those same individuals,” Lawal said.
He further warned that such situations could undermine judicial independence and public confidence in the justice system.
“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,” he added.
Lawal urged the state government to urgently address the challenges, appealing for reforms before the end of the current administration.