Ministry of Justice Stewardship Account so Far: Celebrating the Remarkable Achievements of the Ministry of Justice under Governor Ademola Adeleke's Two Years Administration

 Ministry of Justice Stewardship Account so Far:

Celebrating the Remarkable Achievements of the Ministry of Justice under Governor Ademola Adeleke's Two Years Administration

The Osun State Ministry of Justice, under the visionary leadership of the Oyato Commissioner, Honourable Barrister Oluwole Jimi-Bada, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice appointed by the People's Governor, Asiwaju Senator Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, has undertaken and executed an impressive array of projects and activities that exemplify the ministry unrelenting commitment to justice, equity, and societal development. 

Through innovative programs and meticulous implementation, the ministry has significantly enhanced justice delivery, promote societal harmony, strengthen the quality of governance and positively impacted the lives of Osun State’s citizens. A cornerstone of the ministry’s accomplishments is its steadfast dedication to criminal justice reform. Over 1,000 criminal cases were meticulously processed, leading to 50 well-deserved convictions and the rendering of 80 insightful legal advisories to security agencies. In addition, 30 minor cases were efficiently resolved through out-of-court settlements, reflecting a proactive approach to justice delivery. These strides have bolstered societal order and reduced criminal activities statewide. 

Furthermore, the ministry’s laudable prison decongestion initiative facilitated the compassionate release of 581 inmates and the discharge of 124 others via fine payments, ensuring humane correctional practices and alleviating the pressure on detention facilities. The ministry has also championed restorative justice by rehabilitating inmates through purposeful educational and vocational programs. Eighteen inmates were enrolled in tertiary education, while 55 received comprehensive training in carpentry, tailoring, and leatherworks, equipping them with skills for meaningful reintegration into society. These transformative efforts highlight the ministry’s resolve to foster a rehabilitative, rather than punitive, correctional system.

In fostering unity and strengthening traditional institutions, the ministry successfully facilitated the legal clearance and appointment of 11 Obas across the state, elevating 15 minor chiefs to prestigious Part II Chieftaincy positions. This strategic move has enriched traditional leadership frameworks and catalyzed infrastructural development within various communities. The ministry also amicably resolved long-standing boundary disputes in four communities, promoting peace, unity, and sustainable development.

In addition to these accomplishments, the ministry has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in alternative dispute resolution. It effectively mediated 72 cases of child welfare and custody, 52 tenancy disputes, and 82 instances of domestic violence, achieving amicable settlements in most cases. This approach not only alleviates the financial burden of litigation but also ensures timely and equitable justice for all parties involved. Rent Tribunals were also established with 39 members to adjudicate over 370 tenancy-related cases, providing a structured avenue for resolving disputes between landlords and tenants.

On the administrative and infrastructural front, the ministry has excelled in processing numerous pivotal agreements. These include contracts for the dualization of major roads, the construction of flyovers, and the renovation of critical state infrastructure such as the Osogbo Stadium. Notable projects include the dualization of Akoda-Ede Road and the construction of multi-span bridges, which have significantly improved transportation networks and community access.

Financial prudence remained a hallmark of the ministry’s operations. Beyond the recovery of entitlements, the ministry has showcased remarkable ingenuity, and have achieved exceptional revenue generation through its innovative legal and administrative strategies. These funds have been channeled toward meeting the social and infrastructural needs of the state.

One of the ministry’s most noteworthy efforts lies in the recovery and distribution of entitlements for deceased public servants and local government staff. The ministry has facilitated the recovery of contributory pension bonds and service entitlements for 62 deceased public service workers and 210 local government staff. These entitlements, amounting to substantial financial value, were promptly distributed to beneficiaries, resolving inheritance disputes and providing critical financial relief to dependents. 

Similarly, the ministry have recovered and disbursed funds from over 304 deceased individuals’ deposits in banks and other financial institutions, while generating internal revenue through administrative charges. The ministry diligent recovery of funds from deceased public servants’ entitlements and financial institutions has not only resolved volatile inheritance disputes but also contributed to the state’s internally generated revenue. Additionally, favourable legal judgments saved the state an astronomical billions of naira, demonstrating the ministry’s exceptional litigation capabilities. 

In line with the ministry commitment to legislative reform, the ministry has diligently drafted and reviewed 25 critical legislative bills, creating a solid legal framework for the efficient administration of state institutions. This forward-thinking initiative ensures that Osun State remains legally prepared to tackle governance challenges and support sustainable growth.

The ministry has also recorded tremendous success in mediation services. Between January 2022 and October 2024, it mediated 93 marital disputes, 72 child custody and welfare cases, 73 financial disputes, and 65 property conflicts, among other cases. Through its Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism, the ministry amicably resolved these issues, preventing lengthy litigation and promoting harmony. Notably, it resolved 82 cases of domestic violence, demonstrating a firm commitment to fostering peace and protecting vulnerable individuals.

To enhance the effectiveness of its staff, the ministry has also prioritized staff development and operational efficiency where different capacity building and operational efficiency were organized through regular training sessions and participation in local, national and international conferences. This made the state counsels and administrative staff benefited from various professional development programs, including the National Bar Association’s annual conference and Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) among others. Also, was the procurement of essential tools such as laptops and refurbished operational vehicles to enhance productivity and streamline service delivery. Other notable projects include the payment of robe allowances for state counsels and administrative staff to boost morale and professional appearance.

In addressing tenancy issues, the ministry established Rent Tribunals comprising nine chairpersons and 30 members to adjudicate rent disputes across the state. As a result, over 372 cases have been filed at the tribunals, with many resolved amicably, fostering better relationships between landlords and tenants.

Collaborations with educational institutions, including Adeleke University and Osun State University have facilitated the practical training of medical students in state hospitals. These partnerships underline the ministry’s holistic approach to governance, linking legal, educational, and health sectors for comprehensive state development. This collaborative efforts was recently extended to the newly established University of Ilesha among other institutions within the state.

Through the ministry multifaceted initiatives and groundbreaking programs, the Osun State Ministry of Justice has demonstrated exceptional diligence, exemplified dedication, foresight, and resolute commitment to justice, equity and development. These laudable achievements highlight the ministry’s integral role in actualizing the Adeleke administration’s vision for a peaceful, prosperous, harmonious and progressive Osun State, leaving an indelible mark on governance and service delivery.

E-Signed,

The Office of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ministry of Justice, Abere, Oshogbo, Osun State.