Ondo State magistrates have raised an alarm over the absence of official vehicles for judicial officers, forcing them to board public transport alongside criminals and litigants. They described the situation as dangerous, undignified, and damaging to the integrity of the judiciary.
During a courtesy visit to elder statesman Senator Bode Olajumoke in Akure, members of the Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN), Ondo State Chapter, led by their Chairman Magistrate Funmi Edwin, appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to urgently address their plight.
They were accompanied by the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Akure Branch, Mr. Onimisi Friday Umar, and his wife. The Publisher of Vanguard Media Limited, Mr. Sam Amuka Pemu, joined Senator Olajumoke in receiving the delegation.
‘We share buses with criminals standing trial before us’ — Magistrates
Speaking on behalf of the association, Chief Magistrate Damilola Sekoni said no fewer than 60 magistrates in the state lack official vehicles, compelling them to scramble for buses, taxis, and motorcycles — often with the same people standing trial in their courts.
Sekoni lamented that the situation exposes magistrates to grave security risks, undermines the dignity of their office, and hampers effective justice delivery.
“On a daily basis, we hop on commercial vehicles, sometimes with criminals and litigants standing trials before us, with the attendant security risks to our lives,” he said.
He added that some magistrates had sustained injuries from motorcycle accidents while trying to get to court, describing the situation as “unacceptable and unhealthy for the judiciary.”
Requests placed before Olajumoke
The association appealed to Senator Olajumoke to intervene by discussing their plight with the governor.
They stressed that their demand for official vehicles was a necessity, not a luxury.
They also requested:
Construction of a befitting Secretariat for the association
Provision of a bus for official duties
Financial assistance to host their end-of-year picnic
The magistrates commended Senator Olajumoke for the construction of the NBA Relation Centre in the state, describing the edifice as “gigantic,” and prayed for his continued long life.
NBA Chairman: ‘Ondo judiciary deserves better’
In his remarks, NBA Chairman Mr. Umar said magistrates in Ondo State were not receiving adequate support from the government.
He revealed that the last set of official vehicles for magistrates was procured during ex-governor Olusegun Mimiko’s administration, adding that many beneficiaries had since retired.
He expressed frustration that although approval had been granted by Governor Aiyedatiwa for the purchase of 10 official vehicles, nothing had been heard since.
“It’s sad that magistrates in this state board the same commercial vehicles with criminals when going to court,” Umar said.
“While magistrates in other states fly to attend seminars, ours travel in commercial buses, risking their lives.”
He urged the governor to prioritize the welfare of judicial officers.
“Providing official vehicles will greatly improve efficiency, safety, and morale,” he added.
Olajumoke, Amuka Pemu react
Responding, Senator Olajumoke promised to look into their requests and assured them he would discuss the issues with the governor.
He also encouraged magistrates to avoid conduct that could tarnish the legal profession.
In his remarks, Mr. Sam Amuka Pemu thanked them for the visit and urged them to uphold the rule of law and maintain integrity within the justice system.
