The Osun State House of Assembly has introduced the Osun State Multi-Door Court Establishment Bill, 2024, with the objective of reforming the state’s judicial system.
According to a statement from Olamide Tiamiyu, Chief Press Secretary to Speaker Adewale Egbedun, this initiative aims to implement Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms that offer a streamlined approach to handling disputes outside of traditional court processes.
Sponsored by Femi Popoola, who represents the Boripe-Boluwaduro State Constituency, the bill proposes a framework for various ADR options such as mediation, arbitration, and conciliation.
Popoola emphasized the bill’s potential to ease the traditional court’s workload while ensuring more efficient and accessible justice for Osun State residents.
His remarks were supported by fellow assembly members, who recognised the bill’s capacity to empower individuals in selecting the most suitable method for their unique circumstances.
The initiative, the statement added, “is designed to tackle the issue of case backlogs that have long plagued the judicial system, fostering amicable resolutions to conflicts and ultimately contributing to a more harmonious society.”
In his remark, the Speaker, Adewale Egbedun, highlighted the importance of the bill, noting that “it aligns with global best practices in judicial administration and reflects a commitment to modernizing the state’s legal framework.”
He said, “as the Osun State moves forward with this initiative, it is anticipated that the establishment of multi-door courts will lead to a more efficient and responsive judiciary, enhancing access to justice for all citizens.”
Egbedun noted that the introduction of the Osun State Multi-Door Court Establishment Bill is seen as a significant step toward improving the legal landscape in the region, and stakeholders are optimistic about its potential impact on the community.