The Ibadan branch of the Nigerian Bar Association has raised concerns over what it described as inadequate funding of the judiciary in Oyo State, as well as the non-functionality of Rent Tribunals and Customary Courts.
The branch chairman, Mr Ibrahim Lawal, made this known on Saturday in Ibadan while hosting members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Oyo State Council, during a courtesy visit.
Lawal described the condition of the state’s judiciary as unsatisfactory, noting that the association had repeatedly urged Governor Seyi Makinde to address persistent challenges, especially those affecting lower courts.
He lamented that in the past seven years, the governor had not inaugurated Presidents for the Grade C Customary Courts, which he said play a key role in delivering justice at the grassroots level.
According to him, both the Customary Courts and Rent Tribunals have remained largely inactive, stressing that meaningful economic growth cannot be achieved without a strong justice system.
Lawal added that the Grade C Customary Courts were last operational during the tenure of late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, expressing hope that the judiciary would regain full functionality.
Highlighting operational challenges, he pointed out that some magistrates lack official vehicles, raising concerns about their safety and independence.
“Some Magistrates in the state don’t have official vehicles. We have said this repeatedly and made several representations to the government to address it.
“It is unacceptable that a magistrate who sits in judgment over criminals has to board the same bus as those same individuals.
“It is equally troubling that a magistrate without a personal vehicle may have to accept a ride from someone who has a case before them.
“This compromises both dignity and independence.
“We use this opportunity to appeal to Gov. Seyi Makinde to urgently take action and address these challenges before leaving office.
“The condition of our courts is also deeply concerning, particularly the Magistrates’ and the state Customary Courts of Appeal.
“Many of them are in poor condition with no comfort for those working there.
“These judicial officers are our colleagues and deserve better treatment,” Lawal said.
He also disclosed that electricity to the Customary Court of Appeal had recently been cut off by IBEDC due to unpaid bills, describing the situation as evidence of neglect.
Lawal further criticised conditions within the State Ministry of Justice, noting that staff sometimes rely on external assistance for basic operations.
“For instance, the generator currently in use was donated by a private individual and the law library, once in a deplorable state, was refurbished through private intervention,” he said.
He added that the neglect extends across the judiciary, particularly in courts outside Ibadan, where workers face poor welfare, inadequate transport allowances, and reduced salaries.
While acknowledging the governor’s performance in other sectors, Lawal said the judiciary had not received the attention it deserves.
He also noted that the ongoing court construction project at the State High Court Complex, Ring Road, Ibadan, remains unfinished, while delays in providing essential resources have slowed judicial appointments.
“The bar will continue to advocate for both the bench and the public. Our goal is to strengthen the justice system and uphold the rule of law.
“We will continue to speak out because judges themselves cannot. We remain committed to advocating for a better judiciary and will continue to speak out until meaningful reforms are achieved,” he said.
Lawal also reaffirmed the association’s willingness to partner with the media in training journalists to improve their understanding of legal reporting.
Earlier, the Chairman of the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, Mr Yinka Adeniran, had sought the NBA’s support in building the capacity of journalists covering judicial matters.
