The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan Branch, has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to urgently reconstitute the Oyo State Judicial Service Commission in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution to ensure the effective administration of justice in the state.

In a statement issued by the branch chairman, Ibrahim Lawal, Esq., the NBA emphasized the need for Makinde to strictly adhere to Paragraph 5 (a-f) of the Third Schedule, Part II of the Constitution when appointing members to the commission. This, the association noted, would help prevent potential challenges that could hinder the commission’s ability to carry out its duties effectively.

Importance of the Judicial Service Commission

Lawal highlighted the critical role the Judicial Service Commission plays in administering justice and ensuring the smooth operation of the judiciary. He referenced Paragraph 6 of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines the commission’s powers, including:

Advising the National Judicial Council (NJC) on the appointment of state judicial officers, including the Chief Judge, Judges of the High Court, Kadis of the Sharia Court of Appeal, and Presidents of the Customary Court of Appeal.
Recommending the removal of judicial officers in accordance with constitutional provisions.
Appointing, dismissing, and exercising disciplinary control over judicial staff, including Chief Registrars, Magistrates, and members of Customary and Area Courts.

Given its strategic importance, the NBA chairman stressed that failing to constitute the commission could seriously disrupt the judicial system.

“It is clear from the foregoing that the Judicial Service Commission is so important that its non-constitution poses serious impediments to the effective administration of justice. We, therefore, urge Your Excellency to reconstitute the membership of the commission as soon as the immense pressure of official responsibilities imposed on your office permits,” Lawal stated.

NBA Calls for Operational Vehicles for Magistrates

In addition to urging the reconstitution of the commission, the NBA also expressed deep concern over the lack of official vehicles for Magistrates and Presidents of Grade A Customary Courts in Oyo State.

The association described the situation as demeaning and unacceptable, warning that forcing judicial officers to rely on public transportation exposes them to unnecessary risks and undermines the dignity of their positions.

“Having these judicial officers struggle to take public transport to the office is appalling, to state the obvious. We, therefore, appeal passionately that the governor should look into this request, treating it with the urgency it deserves, with a view to ameliorating this deplorable condition,” Lawal added.

He further noted that the NBA had received reports suggesting that some vehicles may have been purchased but were being delayed due to administrative bottlenecks.

“The rumour making the rounds has it that even though the vehicles are not enough, some administrative bottlenecks are being erected to render nugatory the laudable efforts of the governor,” Lawal stated.

The NBA urged Governor Makinde to prioritize the issue and ensure that necessary measures are taken to improve the welfare of judicial officers in the state.