Access to justice has been described as the absence of barriers obstructing the access to judicial services which is seen as a value that the judiciary must enforce.

The Chief Judge of Ogun State, Hon. Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu disclosed this at the Opening Ceremony of the 41st Annual Conference of the Magistrate Association of Nigeria (MAN), Ogun State Branch held at the Judiciary Complex, Abeokuta.

Noting that the access to Justice as a regulation, guides and frames judicial actions designed to foster and preserve a set of fundamental values like impartiality, independence, fairness and equality.

Speaking on the theme of the conference “The Role of Magistrates in actualizing the 7-point agenda of the Ogun State Judiciary”, His Lordship stressed that the role of technology in Justice Dispensation in this era cannot be over-emphasised, adding that E-Justice which is the new order of justice delivery to reduce backlog, increase transparency and enhance performance, is also required for an aggressive holistic adoption of appropriate
information technology.

“This administration is committed to a brand new Judiciary by the incorporation of the seven point agenda which will bring Justice Delivery to its peak” the CJ assured

The Chief Judge also highlighted some of the achievements of the Judiciary under her captainship in taking the Ogun State Judiciary to the next level.

The achievements, according to Hon. Justice Dipeolu include, Creation of e-registry platform, access to justice, computerisation of staff data, computerised archiving system of proceedings and judgements, creation of the Ogun State Development Centre for academic advancement and computer appreciation, in-house and external trainings and re-training of staff across all strata.

Other feats as listed by the Honourable Chief Judge are the establishment of small claims court, inauguration of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee, enhancement of the multi-door court houses and creation of more multi-door court houses, establishment of staff welfare department, provisions of internet in court rooms of the Abeokuta Judicial division which will be gradually extended to all Judicial divisions in the State.

Admonishing the Magistrates at ensuring zero tolerance for corruption, the Chief Judge asked their worships to be dutiful, humble, advancing and embracing change and justice.

“In the discharge of your duties, be the good one, do not be preserve or difficult, be fair and disciplined, shunning any form of enticement and inducement to perverse the course of justice”. The Honourable Chief Judge counselled the magistrates.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Chairman of the association, Mrs Ibilola Abudu extolled the Chief Judge’s 7-seven point agenda embarked upon by his Lordship.

The Chairman said the agenda keyed into by every staff, magistrates inclusive here brought ease in the discharge of their duties and the delivery of justice in general.