The special report titled “Inside Kwara Court, where Judges, lawyers battle for space with panel-beaters, mechanics” by Kayode Adeoti is a commendable report that highlights a grave issue affecting the administration of justice in Kwara State, Nigeria. Adeoti, a radio journalist and a freelance contributor with The Informant247, shed light on a matter that calls for immediate attention from the authorities.
The report takes us into the heart of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, where the Ipata/Oloje Market, a bustling hub for trading vehicle spare parts and automotive services, uncomfortably coexists with the Upper Area Court II. The juxtaposition of these two distinct entities raises significant concerns about the sanctity of the court.
One of the striking aspects of this report is its ability to paint a vivid picture of the chaotic coexistence of the marketplace and the courtroom. Adeoti’s descriptions of the sounds of mechanics, panel beaters, and painters intermingling with the solemnity of the court emphasized the situation’s absurdity.
The lack of a discernible boundary separating the market from the court premises is a glaring issue. The report effectively communicates the challenges Kwara State judicial officers, lawyers, and litigants face as they navigate their duties amidst the clatter of workshops and the buzz of rewiring. This disrupts the sanctity of the courtroom, which should ideally be a place of order and focus.
Adeoti’s account of the courtroom’s dilapidated condition is another critical aspect of this report. The descriptions of a vulnerable courtroom with an open roof, weeds, rodents, and archaic wooden table chairs paint a grim picture of neglect. The fact that the presiding Judge and lawyers have to sit directly under damaged ceilings is a pointer to the dire situation.
The report includes reactions from legal practitioners, providing a well-rounded perspective on the issue. The chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ilorin branch, expressed strong discontent, emphasizing that the place should not even be called a court. His comments and those of Barrister Ahmed Abaya highlight the urgency of the matter and the need for government intervention.
In conclusion, this special report by Kayode Adeoti is a compelling piece that shines a light on an issue that compromises the principles of justice. It underscores the importance of a conducive environment for legal proceedings and calls on the Kwara State government to take immediate action. Adeoti’s dedication to uncovering this story and bringing it to the public’s attention deserves recognition and applause. This report shows the power of journalism to expose societal challenges and advocate for positive change.
You can read the story here: