Enhancing Justice: The Impact of Adding 11 New Judges to Ondo State’s Judicial System
The beauty of putting the right people in positions is that it speeds up progress. They know what to do when to do it, and how to do it.
Earlier today, the Ondo State Government signed the Bill to increase the number of High Court Judges in Ondo State by 11 more judges, adding to the existing 24 judges in the justicial system of Ondo State, to expand the judiciary and ensure an efficient judicial system, maintaining public trust.
In a fast-paced society like Ondo State, a robust and efficient judicial system is essential for ensuring justice and maintaining public trust.
The Ondo State Government’s pragmatic and progressive decision to create through the constitutional process, the increase of additional 11 judges to expand the State’s judiciary from 24 judges to 35 judges will bring significant advantages that can greatly enhance the legal system’s effectiveness.
It is both timely and beneficial for Ondo State, as this move will:
1. Reduce Case Backlogs:
One of the most pressing challenges in the judiciary is the backlog of cases. The addition of 10 more judges to Ondo State’s judicial system means faster case processing. With these additional judges, courts can handle more cases simultaneously, reducing delays and speeding up the resolution process. This will lead to quicker justice for those awaiting their day in court and ensure that legal matters are resolved without undue delay.
2. Improve Access to Justice:
This addition will conveniently serve different geographic regions in the State, including remote or underserved areas. This will ensure that all citizens of Ondo State, regardless of where they live, have access to timely legal services. Moreover, it will allow for the establishment of specialized courts, like family or drug courts, which can address specific legal issues more effectively and with greater expertise.
3. Enhance the Quality of Judgments:
With more judges, the workload for each judge decreases, allowing them more time to consider each case in depth. This can lead to more thoughtful and well-reasoned judgments. Additionally, a larger pool of judges brings a diversity of perspectives and expertise, contributing to a more balanced and comprehensive judicial process.
4. Reduce Stress and Preventing Burnout:
Judges often face high stress due to heavy caseloads, which is evident in the backlog of cases in the over 24 courts across Ondo State. By distributing the workload more evenly among a larger number of 35 judges, the system can alleviate some of this stress. This not only helps to maintain the judges’ health and well-being but also ensures that they can perform their duties with the highest standards of professionalism and care.
5. Boost Public Confidence:
An efficient judiciary fosters public trust. When cases are handled promptly and fairly, people will gain confidence in the legal system. This perception of efficiency and fairness is crucial for maintaining the rule of law and ensuring that justice is accessible to all.
6. Support Economic Development:
A reliable judicial system is attractive to businesses and investors. Quick and fair resolution of legal disputes in Ondo State will encourage commercial activity and contractual agreements, which are essential for economic growth.
By strengthening the judiciary through this addition, Ondo State will create a stable environment that supports business and investment, driving economic development.
7. Prepare for Future Growth:
As Ondo State’s population and complexity grow, so do the demands on its legal system. A larger judiciary is better equipped to handle fluctuations in case volumes and emerging legal challenges, such as those related to new technologies or legislative changes. This adaptability will ensure an Ondo State judicial system that is capable of meeting future needs.
Therefore, expanding the Ondo State judiciary by adding 11 more judges is a strategic move by the government ably assisted by the competent and responsive Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State, Dr Ajulo Olukayode Ajulo SAN. It should be noted that upon his commission as the Chief Law Officer of the State, Ajulo made the increase of the number of judges and access to Justice one of his 8 points agenda.
This must be noted as a significant step toward a more efficient, fair, and responsive judicial system. It is the first of its kind since the creation of Ondo State, and this will ensure that the Ondo State legal system continues to uphold the values of justice and equity for all citizens of the State.
-yomisaint
