The Ibadan branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called on Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to appoint a new president for the Customary Court of Appeal and additional judges to enhance efficient justice delivery.
In a statement signed by the chairperson, Mrs. Folasade Aladeniyi, the secretary, Mr. Olakunle Akintola, and the publicity secretary, Mr. Oluwatobi Fatoki, the association highlighted the need for urgent action in filling these vacancies.
The association noted that the former President of the Oyo State Customary Court of Appeal retired in 2023, and a successor is yet to be appointed as required by Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
Despite the National Judicial Council (NJC) confirming the nomination of a successor for approval as the substantive president of the court on December 6, 2023, the name has not been forwarded to the Oyo State House of Assembly for confirmation.
Regarding the appointment of additional judges, the association recalled that in 2021, Governor Makinde approved the commencement of the process to appoint more judges.
However, the process was stalled when an NJC inspection team visited the state in 2023 to confirm the availability of operational vehicles for the incoming judges but found none.
The NBA emphasized the urgent need for new judges in Oyo State, given the number of judges who have retired or been elevated. Currently, the state has 23 judges in the High Court and three judges in the Customary Court of Appeal, which the association considers insufficient given the state’s population and caseload.
This shortage has led to delays in the disposal of cases, affecting justice delivery in the state.
The association called on Governor Makinde to address these issues promptly to improve the justice system in Oyo State.
It also appealed for the improvement of welfare and administrative processes for lawyers serving at the state’s Ministry of Justice, citing challenges such as a lack of vehicles and declining administrative efficiency.
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