The Nigeria Bar Association, Akure Branch, has raised concerns over the state of courtroom facilities and challenges associated with electronic filing in Ondo State, saying the problems are making legal practice more difficult for lawyers.
The branch also called for improvements in court administration, case management and other processes connected to the Court Management Information System.
The NBA Akure Branch Chairman, Oju Kekemeke, made the concerns known in his inaugural address, titled “The Hour of Duty Has Clocked,” following his inauguration alongside members of the branch’s new executive in Akure.
Kekemeke said lawyers in Akure and other parts of Ondo State were operating in an environment affected by both infrastructural and systemic shortcomings.
He particularly criticised the implementation of electronic filing, noting that a system introduced to make court processes faster had, in some instances, created additional difficulties for legal practitioners.
According to him, technology should simplify judicial processes rather than introduce further delays.
The branch chairman said the NBA would pursue improvements in electronic filing, case assignment and case management, as well as other aspects of the Court Management Information System.
He also advocated the electronic recording of court proceedings, arguing that such a system would reduce the workload on judges who currently record proceedings manually.
NBA wants better courtroom facilities
Kekemeke acknowledged the intervention of the Ondo State Government in the construction of a new High Court complex but urged the judiciary to also address the condition of existing courtrooms across the state.
He said the state of some courtroom facilities was inconsistent with the dignity expected of the justice system.
The NBA chairman linked the challenges to the broader issue of financial autonomy for the judiciary, saying the Akure branch would continue to monitor the implementation of judicial financial autonomy by the executive and judicial arms of government.
The association’s position comes as stakeholders continue to push for reforms aimed at improving the efficiency and independence of Nigeria’s justice system.
Delays in property documents, registry complaints
Beyond courtroom infrastructure and electronic filing, the NBA Akure Branch identified other issues affecting legal practice in Ondo State.
Kekemeke pointed to delays in the processing of Certificates of Occupancy and the perfection of title documents, as well as alleged exploitative practices at court and police registries.
He also highlighted concerns over the implementation of the lawyers’ remuneration order.
The branch chairman said the NBA would engage relevant stakeholders in an effort to address the challenges and improve the working environment for legal practitioners.
NBA plans welfare reforms for lawyers
Kekemeke also outlined plans to strengthen the welfare of members of the Akure branch during his tenure.
He said the branch would establish sustainable structures to improve lawyers’ welfare while recalibrating the NBA Akure Cooperative Society.
He described the full implementation of the branch’s welfare scheme and the strengthening of the cooperative society as key components of the administration’s plans over the next two years.
The new executive is expected to work with relevant stakeholders in the judiciary, government and other institutions to address the concerns raised by lawyers and improve the administration of justice in Ondo State.
