The Oyo State Ministry of Justice has conferred the title of Justice of the Peace (JP) on 345 individuals across the state in a move aimed at strengthening grassroots peacebuilding and community-based dispute resolution.
The conferment ceremony which had the Alaafia of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Owoade Abimbola Akeem and many other notable personalities in the approved list published in Tribune Newspaper was held on Thursday at the House of Chiefs, Parliament Building, Secretariat, Ibadan.
Speaking after the event, one of the honourees, Chief Adeshina Kadri, the Asoju Oba Orile Ilawo of Egba, Abeokuta, Ogun State, who was number 170 in the approved list published in the Tribune Newspaper described the recognition as both an honour and a call to greater service.
“It is an honour and privilege to be conferred with the title of Justice of the Peace in Oyo State,” he said. “I see it as a call to duty. I am deeply grateful to the state government for finding me worthy of this responsibility. It is a recognition of the service I have been rendering to humanity and an opportunity to officially continue in that role.”
Chief Kadri explained that the selection process for the title is rigorous and transparent, adding that prospective candidates apply to the government and undergo an interview process. Successful applicants have their names published in national dailies for public scrutiny. After a 21-day period and further review, successful candidates are formally designated and later confirmed as Justices of the Peace.
Chief Kadri, an Industrial and Environmental Chemist in Oil and Gas sector and a resident of Ile Tuntun in the Jericho area of Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State, noted that his responsibility extends beyond Oyo State, as he also holds a traditional title in Egba, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
“Everywhere I find myself is home,” he said. “The essence of the title is to help settle disputes and foster peace without bias. It is about ensuring that communities and the nation remain peaceful at all times.”
He assured members of his community and environs of fair and impartial interventions in civil matters, emphasizing that the role of a JP does not cover criminal cases. “People should expect unbiased and peaceful intervention that ensures everyone leaves satisfied. I will handle conflicts with sincerity and a high sense of justice, without taking sides,” he added.
Chief Kadri commended the Ministry of Justice and the Oyo State Government for honouring deserving members of society. He also urged the government to introduce capacity-building programmes to strengthen justice delivery and enhance the performance of newly appointed JPs.
In his remarks, Hon. Justice Dimeji Ishola described the new appointees as volunteers in the service of justice delivery and urged them to discharge their duties with integrity and fairness.
“You are volunteers in service delivery in the state,” he said. “You have become community leaders in your own right. You must eschew bias and ensure that everything you do is in accordance with the law. There must be no nepotism or favouritism in the discharge of your duties.”
Justice Ishola stressed that the title should not be seen as a money-making venture but as an opportunity for community service. He noted that all recipients went through a rigorous screening process before being found worthy of the honour.
“Cherish this position and continue to be good leaders in your communities,” he advised.
Highlight of the programme was the presentation of certificates to distinguished personalities, including prominent personalities such as the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola.
The conferment marks a significant step by the Oyo State Government to deepen alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and promote peace at the grassroots level.
Also in attendance was Mrs Aare Oluwabunmi Oluwatoyin.
