The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to justice through alternative dispute resolution and legal aid services.
This was highlighted by the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Samson Osagie, during a press briefing on the activities and achievements of the Citizens’ Mediation Centre (CMC) and the Citizens’ Rights Department (CRD).
Osagie emphasised that Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration is dedicated to ensuring that the Ministry of Justice functions, not only as a prosecutorial body, but also, as a pillar of social harmony, peace, and efficient dispute resolution.
The Citizens’ Mediation Centre, established as part of broader justice sector reforms, provides free mediation services to vulnerable citizens.
Since its inception, the Centre has handled 634 civil cases, including inheritance disputes, landlord-tenant conflicts, and employer-employee disagreements.
Notably, 70% of these cases have been resolved amicably, reducing the burden on courts and preventing social unrest.
To raise awareness about mediation, the CMC has engaged in extensive public sensitization through media campaigns and community outreach.
A major success story involved an inheritance dispute within the family of a deceased oil mogul. The CMC’s intervention led to the withdrawal of all legal proceedings and a peaceful settlement.
However, Osagie noted challenges such as limited public awareness, misconceptions about alternative dispute resolution (ADR), and the over-centralisation of services in Benin City.
To address these, the government plans to establish new mediation centres in Ubiaja and Auchi, introduce online dispute resolution platforms, and collaborate with the judiciary to ensure mediated settlements are legally enforceable.
The Citizens’ Rights Department (CRD) has also played a crucial role in providing legal assistance to underprivileged citizens, handling 393 cases related to human rights violations, domestic violence, and landlord-tenant disputes. Operating through the Public Complaints Unit and the Correctional Centre Legal Services Unit, the department has successfully resolved 103 public complaints and facilitated the release of 290 inmates who had overstayed in correctional facilities due to prolonged trials.
To further enhance access to justice, Osagie encouraged citizens to utilise these free services by visiting the Ministry of Justice, calling designated helplines, or engaging with legal outreach programmes.
He also called on legal practitioners, civil society organisations, and the media to support the government’s vision of a just and peaceful Edo State.
With plans underway to formally inaugurate these departments as statutory agencies, Osagie assured that the government remains committed to alternative dispute resolution and legal aid, ensuring that justice is accessible to all, not just the privileged few.
