The Oyo State Chief Judge, Honourable Justice Muktar L. Abimbola has said Okaka Magistrate Court will reduce crime rate in Oyo State.
He said this at the official commissioning of the Okaka Magistrate Court complex in Itesiwaju Local Government.
The epoch event which was attended by several legal luminaries and bench of jurists, also had in attendance traditional rulers, political stalwarts, government functionaries, religious leaders and eminent sons and daughters of Okaka town.
Justice Abimbola in his speech, noted that the quest to achieve equal access to justice as enshrined in the constitution, brought about the synergy between Okaka indigenes and the state government towards the establishment of the Magistrate Court.
According to him, the court is aimed at giving the people across the council area easy access to temple of justice, to seek redress through unbiased justice system.
He said, “The establishment of courts at grassroot is aimed at achieving quick dispensation of justice and to reduce crimes and all forms of nefarious activities to the bearable minimum.”
Abimbola stressed that the court will support the traditional alternative dispute mediation system, to settle dispute at the grassroot.
The State Chief Judge said as the nation is witnessing increase in crime rate as a result of economic downturn, the establishment of the Magistrate Court is very apt to ensure quick dispensation of justice at the grassroot.
He stressed the need to promote peaceful resolution and amicable settlement of issues, while adding that the Okaka Magistrate Court will serve as a window of opportunity to hear cases and resolved litigations in a fair and just manner.
He therefore charged law enforcement agents to ensure that apprehended culprits are charged to court without any delay.
Hon. Ojo Bolaji Akintola, the Chairman Itesiwaju Local Government who spoke on behalf of the state government, appreciated the State Chief Judge and the bench of jurists for the establishment of the Magistrate Court at local level.
According to him, the court will check mate the menace of jungle justice among the people.
He admonished the people of the council to seek redress at the law court whenever their rights are being infringed upon, urging them to desist from taking law into their hands.
Meanwhile, Oba AbdulAzeez Ayoola Olatunji Ogelende IV while speaking, commended the State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde for his unprecedented achievements across the state and his tremendous support in the establishment of the Magistrate Court in Okaka town.
He admonished the people of the council area to see the court as their project.The monarch also called for the creation of Itesiwaju LCDA.
In their goodwill messages, prominent sons and daughters of Okaka who facilitated the court, Chief Itiade Odeyemi, Barrister Tunde Abioje, Hon Kola Olabiyi, Elder Adeyemo, Alhaja Moriliat Busari and Mr Rashid Adelani Ogundele; in their separate remarks explained their roles in the success recorded in the establishment of Okaka Magistrate Court and benefits the people will derive from the project.
They commended the state government for the hallmark achievements and used the occasion to pledge their unalloyed support to their ancient town.