Ibadan NBA Criticizes Oyo Judiciary's Poor Funding

The Ibadan branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), under the leadership of Chairman Ibrahim Lawal, has expressed serious concerns regarding the chronic underfunding of the judiciary in Oyo State. During a meeting with the executive of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Oyo State Council, Lawal described the current state of the judiciary as unimpressive, particularly at the lower court level.

He noted that the customary courts have been largely inactive, with the last presidential grace for these courts not being inaugurated in the past seven years. Lawal emphasized that the lack of functional justice systems hinders economic development and called on Governor Seyi Makinde to address these challenges urgently.

He also pointed out the unacceptable working conditions for magistrates, who often lack official vehicles, compromising their dignity and the independence of the judiciary. Lawal reiterated the need for reforms to enhance the judiciary's effectiveness in serving citizens.