The Oyo State Chief Judge, Iyabo Yerima, on Monday in Ibadan inaugurated a newly-constructed Chief Magistrates’ Court in the Ona-Ara Local Government Area of the state.
Justice Yerima said this was another fulfillment of the policy of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration to bring justice closer to the people.
She noted that the Chief Magistrates’ Court, located in Jegede, was uniquely placed to curb the activities of criminals.
She said that her objectives when she became Chief Judge was to ensure that all courts and facilities of the judiciary were well located, conducive and befitting.
She said: “During my tour of various Judicial Divisions and Magisterial Districts in 2023, I had cause to shut down some magisterial districts due to the derelict state of the buildings and facilities.
“The old structure that was on this exact spot was one of those courts that were shut down.
“While it is important for all communities in the state to have unfettered access to justice, it is equally important that the courts where justice is dispensed be secured.
“The court should be up to a minimum standard that befits our state.”
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The Chief Judge said the newly-inaugurated court represented a vital element in the promotion of justice, accountability, and fairness.
Yerima said the court’s inauguration would afford parties desiring justice to seek it in a legitimate way.
“I am optimistic that this facility will serve as a haven of integrity, impartiality and respect for the rule of law,” she said.
Speaking also at the occasion, the Chairman of Ona-Ara LGA, Temitope Kolapo, advised that not all disputes should end up in the court.
Kolapo added that out-of-court settlement should also be encouraged as an alternative way of resolving issues
He said: “If anything like crime happens within our area, there is no need to go far before the matter can be heard in court.
“It’s now within our vicinity.
“This will also enable people not to take laws into their hands or do justice by themselves, because they know that the court is within their reach.
“The citizens will do what they are supposed to do according to the law.”
