The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan branch, has criticised what it described as inadequate funding of the judiciary in Oyo State, highlighting the non-functionality of Rent Tribunals and Customary Courts across the state.
Chairman of the branch, Ibrahim Lawal, raised the concerns during a meeting with members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Correspondents’ Chapel in Ibadan.
Lawal described the condition of the state judiciary as unimpressive, noting that repeated appeals had been made to Governor Seyi Makinde to address persistent challenges, particularly within lower courts.
He expressed concern that successive administrations had not ensured the proper functioning of Grade C Customary Courts, which he said are essential for grassroots justice delivery. According to him, both the Customary Courts and Rent Tribunals have remained largely inactive in recent years.
The NBA chairman warned that sustainable economic development cannot be achieved without a functional and well-supported justice system, stressing the need for urgent reforms.
Lawal also highlighted welfare concerns affecting judicial officers, noting that some magistrates lack official vehicles, a situation he said could compromise both their dignity and independence. He further described the condition of many court facilities, including magistrates’ courts and the Customary Court of Appeal, as poor and inadequate.
He revealed that electricity supply to the Customary Court of Appeal had recently been disconnected due to unpaid bills, describing the situation as indicative of neglect within the judiciary.
The NBA chairman added that conditions at the state Ministry of Justice were equally troubling, citing reliance on privately donated equipment and support to keep operations running. He noted that the situation is worse in courts outside Ibadan, where staff face reduced salaries, poor infrastructure, and inadequate transportation allowances.
Lawal also pointed to delays in judicial appointments and the incomplete court construction project at the state High Court Complex in Ibadan as further signs of systemic challenges.
Despite acknowledging progress in other sectors, he said the state government had not given sufficient attention to judicial reform.
He reiterated the association’s commitment to advocating for improvements in the justice system and pledged continued collaboration with the media to enhance reporting of legal matters.
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