Oyo Lawmaker, Ogundare Champions Justice for the Grassroots: Moves Motion to Activate Grade C Customary Courts Across Oyo State.

At the plenary session of the Oyo State House of Assembly held today, Hon. Ogundare Abideen Adeoye, Member representing Ogo-Oluwa/Surulere State Constituency, moved a motion of urgent public importance calling on the Executive Arm to constitute and operationalize Grade C Customary Courts across the State.

In his compelling presentation, Hon. Ogundare emphasized that the judiciary, being a vital arm of government, must be strengthened from the grassroots to ensure equitable and prompt access to justice, especially in rural and underserved communities. He noted that while Grade A Customary Courts are functional in Oyo State, Grade C Customary Courts—which serve as the most accessible tier for resolving minor civil, land, and family disputes—remain largely non-functional.

Without a working Grade C Customary Court system, the grassroots are denied justice, and cases that should be resolved swiftly at the local level are overburdening our higher courts,” he said.

The motion highlighted the socioeconomic burdens on litigants, backlogs in the judicial system, and the risk of justice being sought through informal channels without legal backing. Hon. Ogundare also stressed that Grade C Customary Courts allow disputes to be resolved in accordance with local traditions and language, thus preserving cultural relevance while upholding the rule of law.

The House resolved to urge the Executive Arm, through the Judicial Service Commission and the Ministry of Justice, to:

1. Immediately constitute and operationalize Grade C Customary Courts across all local government areas;
2. Ensure the recruitment and training of qualified Customary Court Members and Clerks;
3. Provide infrastructure, mobility, and administrative support to ensure effective and credible court operations.

The motion received wide support from fellow lawmakers, who praised Hon. Ogundare’s foresight and dedication to strengthening justice delivery at the grassroots level.

This initiative further affirms Hon. Ogundare Abideen Adeoye’s commitment to responsive representation and his unrelenting drive to bridge the gap between government institutions and the people.

Signed:
Adewuyi Bamidele (Energy)
Special Assistant on Media & Publicity to Hon. Ogundare Abideen Adeoye