The Ogun State Multi-Door Court House [OMDC] Organises Alternative Dispute Resolution [ADR] Sensitization Program For Members Of The Nigerian Bar Association [NBA] Ijebu Ode Branch.
The Ogun State Multi-Door Court House [OMDC] Organises Alternative Dispute Resolution [ADR] Sensitization Program For Members Of The Nigerian Bar Association [NBA] Ijebu Ode Branch.
The governing council of the Ogun State Multidoor Courthouse [OMDC] in collaboration with GIZ [a german organization] organized alternative dispute resolution workshop titled “ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION [ADR] SENSITIZATION PROGRAM FOR MEMBERS OF THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION [NBA] OGUN STATE”, an event which was well attended by the members of the NBA, Ijebu Ode branch .
The sensitization program which took place on the 25th day of November, 2021 at Rolak Hotel, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State aimed at educating lawyers the more to practically embrace the merits of ADR and how it could be a tool in boosting the legal practice generally, as opposed to the unfounded and erroneous impression that ADR has come to remove foods from lawyers’ table.
The Chief Judge of Ogun State Hon. Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu FICMC who was ably represented by Hon. Justice O.S OLUSANYA urged lawyers to to perceive ADR as friend not foe.
ADR will help to decongest courts, it is cheaper and faster, its win-win and parties driven approaches e.t.c are to the advantage of the bar.
MR. Abeeb Ajayi [the former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Abeokuta Branch and ADR expert] also spoke on the roles of the courts, lawyers and parties in ADR. He stated the roles of lawyers in ADR as advisory as opposed to what is obtainable in the regular courts. Lawyers even make quick and more money without much stress in ADR than regular courts. He urged lawyers to embrace ADR in the interest of their clients.
Criminal matters too can be settled amicably through ADR where the offences are not felonious in nature. He added.
In his representation of his client, a lawyer shall not fail or neglect to inform his client of the option of alternative dispute resolution mechanism, before resorting to or continuing litigation on behalf of his client.
-Rule 15[3] [d], Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners, 2007.
Also,rule 55[1] of the RPC,2007 states that if a lawyer acts in contravention of any of the rules in these rules or fails to perform any of the duties imposed by the rules, he shall be guilty of a professional misconduct and liable to punishment.
MRS. A.I. ADELAJA, the coordinating director of Ogun Multi Door Court House [OMDC] also delivered an all encompassing paper on the workings of the said court.
The first centre of the Ogun Multi Door House was established at Abeokuta in 2017, the second at Ijebu Ode in 2018, the third at Sagamu in 2019, Ota which is the fourth in March 2021. The Idi-Oke centre just opened at its temporary site within the magistrate court on the 15th of November, 2021. She added.
The GIZ representatives MR. STEPHEN DADA and other erudite colleagues also urged lawyers to embrace ADR as it is seen to be the future of the legal profession.
Another well researched paper titled “ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION CASE SIMULATION” was presented by O.A. SOFOWORA [MRS], MICMC, FCIS who is the supervising manger, OMDC [Sagamu/Ijebu Ode].
Judicial Appraisal, High low arbitration, Adjudication, Expert determination, Ombudsman, Arb-Med, Med-Arb and Mediation are some of the forms of ADR processes used in solving disputes as mentioned by O.A. SOFOWORA [MRS].
She also underscored how cases get to the Multi Door Court-House such as:
Walk-in approach
Court referral
by lawyers
Parties in contractual agreement with ADR clauses can walk into the centre when a dispute arises from the contact.
OMDC sometimes reaches out to disputing parties.
Other dignitaries such as HON. JUSTICE OLUGBEMI [rtd] who is a prominent member of OMDC governing council, MR. A.A BARUWA [former chairman Ijebu Ode local government], MR. O.K. OGUNBANJO [lawyer cum educationist] e.t.c also added their voices in support of ADR.
The chairman of the NBA,Ijebu Ode branch, H. Olabisi Abdul-Azeez, Esq. appreciated the governing council of OMDC and GIZ for choosing Ijebu Ode as one of the venues for the sensitization program.
He equally thanked members of the branch for gracing the occasion full fleshed. He urged them to utilize the more the benefits of ADR in their practice and play the game according to its rules in ADR proceedings.
He assured the governing council of OMDC, GIZ and Ogun state Judiciary of maximum co-operation always in ensuring the long-aged relationship between the bar and the bench is not strained in any way. Thank you and God bless. He added.
Courtesy:
Moruff O. Balogun, Esq.
Publicity Sec./ Public Relation Officer,
NBA, Ijebu Ode Branch.
08052871414.
