By Ayodele Oni
Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Akure Branch, has warned that justice system in Ondo State is fast becoming inaccessible to ordinary citizens due to corruption, understaffed courts, poor transportation networks, insecurity, and infrastructural decay, especially in rural communities.
This position formed part of the resolutions issued at the end of the Branch’s 2025 Law Week, themed “Nigeria: Quest for Utilitarian Judiciary and Role for Stakeholders,” held in Akure from November 9 to 14.
Speaking on the state of justice delivery, the Association said rural dwellers remain the most disadvantaged, as many cannot access courts without travelling long distances on bad roads or paying fees they cannot afford.
“Access to justice is being crippled by failing infrastructure, ignorance of the law, corruption, insecurity and grossly understaffed courts. Justice cannot be served when the system itself is inaccessible.
”The NBA Akure Branch also condemned the persistent erosion of judicial independence in the state, accusing the Executive of holding the Judiciary “financially hostage.
“Up to 60–70 per cent of judicial budgetary allocations are withheld by the Executive. A Judiciary that depends on the Executive to function is a Judiciary stripped of its independence.”
The Branch therefore demanded full implementation of Section 121(3)(c) of the Constitution, which guarantees financial autonomy for State Judiciaries.
“An Ad-Hoc Committee is to be set up to interface with government toward enforcing compliance.Participants also warned that Nigeria still operates a punitive prison system, not a correctional one.”
Speakers at the session on correctional reforms noted that ex-inmates often return to society unrehabilitated, stigmatized and without employment, housing or education, resulting in high rates of reoffending.
The communiqué called for:
“Full implementation of the Correctional Service Act, 2019. A dedicated State department for correctional reform, data tracking and reintegration.
“More Half-Way Houses through government funding and Public-Private Partnerships, Continuous training of correctional officers, police and security agencies.”
Electoral Justice and Court Congestion:
The NBA further called for limited judicial intervention in election matters, warning that courts are overburdened at the expense of regular cases.
It recommended that: “Election disputes should be resolved before swearing-in,The Legislature enact clearer, less ambiguous laws, executive and Legislative arms shoulder more responsibility for electoral integrity, while the Judiciary adjudicates only where necessary.”
Economic Justice and Commercial Courts :
To boost the state’s business environment, the Association advocated the establishment of specialised Commercial Courts, similar to those in Lagos and Rivers States.
Speakers at the session stressed that delayed judgments halt economic activity by discouraging investment and disrupting business confidence.
The NBA called for revival of traditional courts in rural communities and urged businesses to embrace Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to decongest the courts.
It stressed that achieving a truly utilitarian Judiciary requires collective commitment from the Bar, Bench, Executive, Legislature, civil society, and the public.
“To deliver the greatest good to the greatest number, all stakeholders must rise to rescue the justice sector,” the Association declared.
