Stakeholders in Ogun call for speedy passage of Arbitration Court Bill

Stakeholders in the administration of justice in Ogun State have called on the Ogun State House of Assembly to expedite action on the passage of the bill for the establishment of a Court of Arbitration.
The stakeholders made the call at a public hearing on the bill in Abeokuta on Thursday. They said that resolution of disputes by arbitration and other alternative mechanisms would have a positive effect on the society.
The bill is entitled: “A Bill for a Law to Provide for the Resolution of Disputes by Arbitration and other Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms as well as the establishment of Ogun Court of Arbitration.’’
Olumide Ayeni, the state commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, said that arbitration, mediation and conciliation were all methods of alternative dispute resolution.
Ayeni, however, said arbitration was much more formalised and the passage of the bill would not negatively impact on the briefs of lawyers.
The commissioner gave an assurance that the bill, if passed, would enhance access to speedy justice dispensation to supplement litigation, thereby reducing citizens’ frustration and delay in justice delivery.
Olusanya Olawale, who represented the Legal Department of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), commended the House on the progress made on the bill.
Olawale explained that the Institute of Chartered Mediation should be considered in the constitution of the body that would manage the affairs of the arbitration court.
Adeniyi Lawal, chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Ijebu-Ode Branch, said that the issue of arbitration was a welcome development in the state, saying, however, the bill on arbitration court was silent on the issue of cost.
Adebesin Abiodun of the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) said that the bill would be beneficial to the less privileged in the society.
In his address of welcome, Suraj Adekunbi, the speaker of Ogun Assembly, said the bill when passed into law would address the delay in the administration of justice as well as enhance equal rights and opportunities to citizens.
Adekunbi also noted that it would bring about fair resolution of disputes by an impartial tribunal without unnecessary delay or expenses.
Adebowale Ojuri, the Chairman of the House Committee on Justice, Ethics and Public Petitions, promised that all inputs of stakeholders would be put into consideration before the passage of the bill.