- The Ibadan branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has raised an alarm over the severe underfunding of the Oyo State judiciary, citing uncompleted court projects and a lack of official vehicles for magistrates.
- Chairman Ibrahim Lawal noted that Customary Courts and Rent Tribunals have been largely non-functional, with no new Presidents inaugurated for Grace C Customary Courts in seven years.
- The Bar decried situations where judicial officers must use public transport alongside potential criminals and revealed that the Customary Court of Appeal recently had its electricity disconnected due to unpaid bills.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan branch, has delivered a scathing assessment of the justice sector in Oyo State, accusing Governor Seyi Makinde of persistent neglect.
Eko Hot Blog reports that speaking during a courtesy visit from the Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ on Saturday, April 25, 2026, NBA Chairman Mr. Ibrahim Lawal described the current state of the judiciary as “unimpressive” and a threat to the rule of law.
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Lawal highlighted a series of systemic failures, most notably the abandonment of Customary Courts, which serve as the primary source of justice for grassroots citizens.
According to the Chairman, these courts have not functioned properly since the previous administration, leaving a significant void in the state’s legal framework.
He further revealed that the lack of basic infrastructure has forced the Ministry of Justice to rely on private donations for essential items, such as generators and library refurbishments.
The NBA expressed particular concern for the safety and professional dignity of Magistrates. Lawal pointed out that many judicial officers lack official vehicles, creating a dangerous scenario where they are forced to board the same commercial buses as the individuals they may have sentenced.
Additionally, he noted that the ongoing construction at the State High Court Complex in Ring Road remains unfinished, and the appointment of new judges has been hampered by the government’s failure to provide mandatory provisions like transportation.
In a symbolic display of the decay, Lawal disclosed that the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) recently cut off power to the Customary Court of Appeal over outstanding debts.
While acknowledging the Governor’s successes in other sectors, the NBA Chairman urged an immediate intervention before the end of the current administration.
The Bar pledged to continue its advocacy for the bench, emphasizing that a functional judiciary is the bedrock of any meaningful economic development.
