The Ekiti State Government has promised radical improvement for the judiciary, to promote peace, unity, and speedy administration of justice among the citizens, particularly those at the grassroots.
The State Government gave the pledge in Imesi Ekiti, on Friday, while commissioning a new Customary Court edifice, to mark the Fifth Coronation Anniversary of Onimesi, HRH Oba Olatunji Olatunde.
Speaking at the commissioning, the President, Customary Court of Appeal in Ekiti State, Justice Mojisola Abodunde, commended Governor Oyebanji for his commitment to strengthening customary Court in the state.
Justice Abodunde commended Imesi Ekiti community for making the provision of the courthouse a reality, saying the facility will help in strengthening judicial system at the grassroots through unfettered access to the temple of justice to resolve any crisis.
“The Customary Court remains an essential part of judicial system. It is the first and closest to the citizens in settling issues of succession and inheritance, boundary disputes, marriages, resolution of matrimonial issues, tenancy agreements, defamation and other personal issues in relation with the Customary Laws.
“It will also settle issue of child’s custody and maintenance and criminal offences created by the Local Government bye-laws, such as sanitation, environmental and market related infractions. I want you to maintain this structure, so that it can serve the purpose it is meant for”, Justice Abodunde advised.
The highly ecstatic Oba Olatunde, who commended his chiefs and other subjects, both at home and in the diaspora for their solid backing to achieve unprecedented development, said the customary Court will help in preventing cases of jungle justice, self help and lawlessness in his kingdom.
The monarch saluted Justice Abodunde, for graciously considering Imesi worthy of hosting a unit of the Customary Court, saying the gesture is not only significant, but deeply appreciated by the people of Imesi and its environs.
“This commissioning comes at a most auspicious time, when there is an urgent and growing need to bring justice closer to the grassroots. We particularly commend the Ekiti State Government for the giant strides it has taken in revitalizing the traditional justice system, especially through the activation of palace courts.
“The ongoing legislative
efforts aimed at empowering these courts with greater capacity to enforce decisions will no doubt
bolster the effectiveness of grassroots justice delivery.
The cumulative effect of this multi-level adjudication structure is expected to decongest the higher
courts and expedite the administration of justice across the state.
“Once these frameworks are fully in place and harmonized, the dangerous trend of resorting to self-help or jungle justice—with all its attendant social and human costs will be greatly diminished, if not entirely eradicated.
“Let me assure Your Lordship and all relevant authorities that this Customary Court will receive the fullest cooperation and support from the Palace Grounds, which serve as its immediate neighbours. We consider this institution a symbol of justice, order, and peaceand we are committed to its success”.
Reflecting on his five years of kingship, Oba Olatunde, said he had spearheaded the restoration of stable electricity supply, championed afforestation policy through free tree seedlings to farmers, upgrading of township roads, and reconstruction of the community health centre.
Oba Olatunde revealed that he has also helped the town in achieving enhanced infrastructure provision and better academic performances at Ojugbaye Grammar School, through partnership with the state government and well-meaning indigenes of the town.
The Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Hon Ojo Atibioke, said Governor Biodun Oyebanji holds the traditional rulers in high esteem, appealing to communities to always support any monarch after emerging through a transparent selection process.
Atibioke warned that resorting to frivolous court actions may stall development and stoke the fire of disunity in the communities.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, represented by Oba Asoya, commended Oba Olatunde for prioritising the development and peace in his kingdom, as reflected in his scintillating scorecards, seeking strong support for the monarch to achieve more for the town.
At the glamorous event, the Ekiti al State Deputy Governor,Chief Monisade Afuye, was recognised for her effective settlement of chieftaincy disputes in Ekiti towns, while Senator representing Ekiti South Senatorial District, Yemi Adaramodu, was installed as the “Gbadero” of Imesi Ekiti.
Present at the occasion are: representative of Owa Ale of Ikare, Commissioner for Infrastructure, Prof. Bolaji Aluko, Ajero of Ijero, Oba Joseph Adebayo, members of the Onimesi-in-Council, indigenes, politicians, among others.