News
We Will Reform The Judiciary To Promote Equity, Efficiency – Oyo Govt
Oyo State government has expressed its readiness to reform the judicial sector for the purpose of promoting equity and efficiency of the law courts in dispensing justice to the people without favour or delay.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Oyo State, Prof. Oyelowo Oyewo expressed the readiness of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration to achieve this task within the shortest period of its assumption of office.
Prof. Oyewo disclosed this during an interactive session with journalists in his office shortly after an inaugural meeting with the management team of the ministry which took place at his office in Ibadan.
The Attorney General said priority will be placed on adherence to the observance of principle of law in order to change public perception about judicial sector and at all times, the ministry of Justice would synergize with the legislative arms of government in the state to review the outdated laws of Oyo State for the benefit of all and sundry.
Prof. Oyewo stressed further that necessary steps would be taken to reduce the burden on the law courts and ensure disputes before the court enjoy quick hearings .
“We are aware of the mandate before our ministry, we will work closely with all the ministries and key stakeholders like police to ensure that cases that come to court are given expeditious hearings.
“This is in concert with the programme of the current administration to see to the change of perspectives people have about the judicial system as predisposed to the wealthy instead of the general masses.
“The State government under Governor Seyi Makinde is ready to change the perception of the people that our law courts are up for sale to the highest bidder or will only favour the rich or affluent. Justice will henceforth be for all no matter the class in the society.
While reiterating the importance of digitization in administration of justice, Prof. Oyewo affirmed that there was need to create a viable platform for proper rehabilitation of prisoners who were released through prerogative of mercy for them to turn a new leave.
“We are going to come up with policies that the judiciary will focus on. For instance, non-custodial sentences policy and parole system for prisoners rehabilitation. An effective parole system will be introduced so that prisoners that were given prerogative of mercy did not go back prison, this will be done in conjunction with the religious leaders, civil society and charity organisations.”
Prof. Oyewo added that the Ministry would work towards creating a law reform department in the ministry as well as a law reform commission in the state.
He admonished staffers of the ministry to be proactive in discharge of duties and give their support to the programmes and policies of the present government for the success of all and sundry. .
Queen Waliyat Olabisi, the second wife of the Okere of Sakiland, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Khalid Oyeniyi Olabisi Oyedepo III, has passed away.
She died on Tuesday morning, leaving the people of the ancient town in mourning.
As of the time of filing this report, the cause of her death remains unknown. However, her sudden demise has sent shockwaves across the community.
Many indigenes of Saki have taken to social media to express their grief, sharing heartfelt tributes and condolences for the royal family.
The late Queen Waliyat was celebrated for her elegance and impactful contributions to both the palace and the community.
The Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has pledged unwavering commitment to ensuring justice for the 35 minors who lost their lives during a tragic stampede at a funfair organized at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, on December 18, 2024.
Speaking at the annual interfaith service marking the commencement of the new year, held at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Makinde reassured the public of his administration’s dedication to preventing a recurrence of such avoidable tragedies.
According to reports, eight suspects were initially arrested in connection with the incident. Of these, three individuals—Prophetess Naomi Ogunwusi (former Queen of Ife), Oriyomi Hamzat (owner of Agidigbo FM), and the principal of Basorun High School, Fasasi Abdullahi Babatunde—are currently remanded in custody at the Agodi Custodial Centre, Ibadan. Their case has been adjourned until later this month by the presiding court.
Makinde, addressing concerns and criticism surrounding the decision to prosecute the organisers, said, “Thirty-five innocent lives were tragically lost. This is not a matter to sweep under the rug. Justice must be served to ensure such a disaster never occurs again in Oyo State.”
Responding to calls for leniency, the Governor dismissed comparisons to similar incidents in other parts of the country. “Some people told me this happened in Anambra and FCT, and no one faced trial. But Oyo State is not Anambra. We will uphold the rule of law, no matter who is involved,” he asserted.
The Governor emphasized the independence of the judiciary in handling the case, stating, “If the courts decide on bail or other measures, that is within their jurisdiction. However, there must be a trial. This administration is committed to ensuring accountability and justice for the victims and their families.”
Makinde concluded by reaffirming his resolve to make Oyo State a model for justice and governance. “By God’s grace, such a tragedy must never happen again in our dear state,” he said.
The House of Representatives will commence the defence of the 2025 Appropriation Bill by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.
This was disclosed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Abubakar Bichi, on Monday after a strategic meeting with chairpersons of statutory committees at the National Assembly.
Bichi emphasized the House’s commitment to ensuring the timely passage of the budget, stating that the legislative body aims to conclude deliberations and approve the budget by the end of January 2025.
It will be recalled that on December 18, 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented a ₦49.7 trillion Budget Proposal for 2025 before a joint session of the National Assembly.
The budget, themed “The Restoration Budget: Securing Peace, Building Prosperity,” prioritizes security and defence, infrastructure, health, and education.
In his 30-minute address, President Tinubu highlighted key allocations, including ₦4.91 trillion for defence and security, ₦4.06 trillion for infrastructure, ₦2.4 trillion for health, and ₦3.5 trillion for education, among others.
“It is with great pleasure that I lay before this distinguished joint session of the National Assembly, the 2025 Budget of Nigeria, titled The Restoration Budget—securing peace, building prosperity,” Tinubu declared during the presentation.
The defence sessions are expected to feature critical scrutiny of MDAs’ spending proposals to ensure alignment with national priorities and efficient resource utilization.
The 2025 Appropriation Bill is projected to bolster efforts in economic recovery, infrastructural development, and enhanced service delivery in critical sectors, as the government continues its drive to restore stability and prosperity to Nigeria.
-
News1 week agoOseni Supports Ibadan Mosque Project with N20m
-
News4 days ago
Ghana Announces Visa-Free Travel for African Passport Holders
-
Entertainment4 days ago
Wizkid Becomes First African Artist to Surpass 8 Billion Spotify Streams
-
News3 days ago
FCT Residents to Experience Prolonged Power Outages
