The NBA Ibadan branch, has criticised the Oyo State Government over what it described as inadequate funding of the judiciary, raising concerns about the non-functionality of rent tribunals and customary courts in the state.
The branch chairman, , spoke on Saturday while receiving members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the , Oyo State Council, during a courtesy visit to his office in Ibadan.
Lawal described the condition of the judiciary in the state as unsatisfactory, noting that repeated appeals to Governor to address challenges facing the sector, particularly at the lower courts, had yet to yield results.
He lamented that the state government had, for several years, failed to inaugurate presidents of Grade C Customary Courts, which he said play a critical role in delivering justice at the grassroots.
According to him, both the customary courts and rent tribunals have remained largely inactive, warning that meaningful economic development cannot be achieved without a functional justice system.
Lawal also raised concerns over poor welfare for judicial officers, stating that some magistrates lack official vehicles, a situation he said compromises their independence and dignity.
“It is unacceptable for a magistrate to share public transport with individuals who may appear before them in court,” he said, adding that such conditions could expose judicial officers to undue influence.
He further decried the poor state of court infrastructure across the state, particularly magistrates’ courts and the Customary Court of Appeal, noting that many facilities lack basic working conditions.
The NBA chairman revealed that electricity supply to the Customary Court of Appeal was recently disconnected by the over unpaid bills, describing the development as a reflection of neglect.
He added that the situation at the state Ministry of Justice was equally troubling, citing instances where staff reportedly relied on private support for basic operations, including the donation of a generator and refurbishment of the law library.
Lawal noted that conditions in courts outside Ibadan were worse, with inadequate transportation allowances and reduced welfare for judicial staff.
While acknowledging efforts in other sectors, he said the administration had not given adequate attention to judicial reforms, pointing to the slow pace of judge appointments and delays in completing projects such as the High Court complex at Ring Road, Ibadan.
He assured that the NBA would continue to advocate improvements in the justice sector, stressing the need to uphold the rule of law and strengthen judicial institutions.
Earlier, the Chairman of the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel in the state, , sought collaboration with the NBA in training journalists to enhance reporting of judicial matters.
