Multi-Door Court House Bill Becomes Law In Ondo State

In a bid to promote easy access to justice in Ondo State and in line with global trends in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has signed the Multi-Door Courthouse bill into Law.

A statement signed by Richard Olatunde, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State stated that Governor Akeredolu signed the bill into Law on Tuesday in Akure.

The Governor also encouraged the people of the state to explore the alternative dispute resolution that the multi-door courthouse provides.

He explained that the multi-door courthouse will further boost the administration of justice in the state and allow litigants to settle matters without going through the conventional court process which in most cases created enmity and takes a longer time to resolve.

Governor Akeredolu disclosed that the law would assist the legal process which has become cumbersome in the country.

He charged the judges and other stakeholders in charge of the administration of justice to always encourage litigants to make use of out-of-court settlements and explore alternative dispute resolution for the peace and progress of the society. 

Akeredolu observed that it may be difficult for parties involved in cases to become friends again after taking their cases to the conventional courts for adjudication, adding that the newly signed Multi-door Courthouse Law would ensure peace in the society.

 “Encourage people to explore alternative dispute resolution. Please, take advantage of this alternative dispute resolution. Look at ways of settling matters for them. Make the environment convivial. Don’t let them see themselves as adversaries,” HE URGED

While congratulating the outgoing Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Williams Akintoroye, on the signing of the bill into Law during his time, the governor added that the executive arm of government has enjoyed working with both the Judiciary and the Legislative arms of government without rancour.

He advised the judicial officers to create an enabling and peaceful environment for all litigants to see the need to amicably resolve matters without becoming enemies after the case.

Earlier, while presenting the bill to the Governor for assent, the Speaker, Bamidele Oleyelogun, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Samuel Aderoboye, said it would ease the tension and the burden of judges and lawyers as well as the State in resolving some cases outside the conventional courtroom.

He added that the law will bring about confidence and ensure cases are settled within the shortest time.

Also speaking, Justice Williams Akintoroye appreciated the Governor for signing the bill into law for the benefit of the people and the state.

Also present at the signing were the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Bamidele Oleyelogun, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Samuel Aderoboye; the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Williams Akintoroye; President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Eunice Alade; members of the State Executive Council led by the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu; and other Justices of the State Judiciary.