…as NBA, Ikere Ekiti holds 2025 Law week
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Ekiti State, Dayo Apata (SAN), has called for the establishment of a Multi-Door Courthouse in the state, stating that it would improve justice delivery and help decongest the courts through the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms and digital platforms.
Apata made the call on Wednesday in Ikere-Ekiti while declaring open the annual Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) Lecture, held as part of the 2025 Law Week activities of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikere-Ekiti Branch.
Speaking on the theme, “Rebuilding Public Confidence in the Conflict Resolution Mechanisms and the Nigerian Justice Sector: Roles of Stakeholders in Upholding Best Practices”, Apata urged private legal practitioners to collaborate with the state government through the Directorate of Citizens’ Rights and the Office of the Public Defender (OPD) in order to undertake more selfless legal services to strengthen access to justice.
This collaboration according to him, would provide relief for residents and help foster greater trust, appreciation and confidence in the justice system.
He also described Chief Wole Olanipekun as a visionary leader and trailblazer whose bold initiatives have positively shaped the legal profession, noting that his consistent support for the justice sector remains unwavering.
His words, “Another key stakeholder in the justice sector is the legislature. The role of the legislature as a stakeholder cannot be overemphasized. I am indeed grateful to our legislature for enacting laws that reflect contemporary realities of our society and proper solution and reforms to grey arrears within the justice sector. In the same vein, civil society and the media must hold institutions accountable but also inform and educate the public. Misinformation and sensationalism must give way to responsible engagement.
“Rebuilding public confidence in our conflict resolution mechanisms and justice sector is far more than speeches or mere talking. It requires proper and timely action. At this juncture, I wish to propose the establishment of a multi-door court house in Ekiti State. The establishment of a multi-door court house will make a big difference in our justice system. This will lead to decongesting the courts through ADR and digital platforms.
“The development of our justice system is the responsibility of all stakeholders. 1 therefore call on members of the private bar to join hands with State government through its legal aid platforms such as the Directorate of Citizens’ Rights and the Office of the Public Defender (OPD) in expanding legal aid by undertaking more pro bono services. This will further bring succor to the indigents and the Justice system will be more appreciated, cherished and trusted.
Delivering the lecture, a senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Dayo Akinlaja represented by the Director of Public Presecution in Ekiti State Ministry of Justice, Mr Julius Ajibare explained that to address the ugly development judicial officers, lawyers, law enforcement agencies, civil society must uphold best practices to improve professionalism and adhere to right standard to rebuild the confidence of the people in justice administration in the country.
He identified Inadequate access to justice, abuse of Power by law enforcement agencies, unethical legal practices, Limited public awareness and legal education as some of the challenges facing administration of justice in Nigeria.
In his speech, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, represented by his Special Adviser on Legal Matters, Niyi Idowu commended the organisers for taken a bold step in restructuring the legal sector which served as the last hope of Nigerians and sought support for present administration to achieve success in getting rid criminal elements from the state.
The NBA Chairman, Ikere Ekiti Branch, Temitope Kolawole also called on those saddled with Responsibilities of administration of justice in Nigeria to restore the public confidence in the rule of law and Nigeria legal system.
He identified corruption, ineptitude and unethical behaviours of critical stakeholders as some of the challenges facing administration of justice in Nigeria.
“All authorities and dramatis personae saddled with the responsibilities of administering justice within the Nigeria legal system have so much to do in rebuilding or restoring the public confidence in the Rule of law and Nigeria legal system, our Customary Laws, Traditional Institutions, Arbitration and Mediation centers are all inclusive and we are by this law week colling on all stakeholders from the law enforcement agents, traditional rulers, community leaders, lawyers, judges and heads of various organizations to join us in this profitable discussion to rebuild the collapsing public confidence in our conflict resolution mechanism for all the stakeholders to uphold best practices in justice delivery in Nigeria.
“Our society has the best laws, proven and legally recognized customs and traditions but the problem lies in its applicability. Corruption, Ineptitude and Unethical behaviors of the stakeholders had led us to the present challenge which had taken its tolls on the populace. We are here today seeking ways to rebuild the dwindling confidence of our people as well as complimenting the efforts of one another in this regard in bringing forth the much needed trust from our people”.
