The Nigerian Bar Association, Akure branch has threatened to ask its members to boycott courts over infractions at the courts’ registries.
The NBA also gave the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Olusegun Odusola 15 days ultimatum to address the issue or they boycott the courts till their demands are met.
Chairman, NBA, Akure Branch, Olabanjo Ayenakin stated this in a letter addressed to Odusola on March 3, 2023.
He said the NBA seeks the indulgence and intervention of the Chief Judge to the infractions emanating from the registries.
According to him, “Most of the registries and courts in the High Court and Magistrate Courts always complain of lack of files for originating processes and exhibits.
“The officers in the registry always resort to collecting money from counsel and litigants for the purchase of files for keeping exhibits and commencing cases.
“These officers always inform litigants and counsels that they have the backing of the court to so do and that files were not officially provided for their use.
“The assessing officers in the registries always charge counsel and litigants who file written statement on oaths and supporting affidavit for motion additional cost for red wafers.
“The additional costs for red wafers are not contained in the Ondo State High Court Civil Procedure Rules. The said fee is a hidden charge and same is unacceptable and illegal.”
Ayenakin noted that these nagging issues were mentioned during the special court sitting to celebrate the CJ’s appointment, but the issues continued unabated.
He said it is the resolve of Akure Bar that if these infractions are not corrected urgently; “we have resolved to boycott the courts in Ondo State, and this we shall do in agreement with other branches of the Bar.”
