NBA Akure chairman moves to overhaul e-filing, court processes in Ondo
By Julius Alabi, Akure
The newly inaugurated Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Akure Branch, Oju Kekemeke, has pledged to pursue far-reaching reforms in the administration of justice in Ondo State, particularly the electronic court filing system, which he said had become a source of frustration and unnecessary delays for lawyers.
Kekemeke, who assumed office for a two-year tenure, made the commitment during his inauguration at the NBA Secretariat, Oke-Eda, Akure, where he succeeded O.F. Umar as chairman of the branch.
In his inaugural address, titled “The Hour of Duty Has Clocked,” the new chairman said his election was not an accomplishment to be celebrated as an end in itself but a responsibility requiring commitment, courage and service to the legal profession.
He said his administration would prioritise reforms in electronic filing, case assignment and case management, as well as other aspects of the Case Management Information System (CoMiS).
According to him, technological innovation in the justice sector should facilitate faster and more efficient service delivery rather than create additional obstacles for practitioners and litigants.
“At this age, technology should speed up processes and not delay processes,” he said.
Kekemeke also disclosed plans to advocate the introduction of electronic recording of court proceedings, arguing that such a system would improve efficiency while relieving judges of the burden of recording proceedings manually.
He commended the Ondo State Government for its intervention in the construction of a new High Court Complex in Akure, but urged authorities in the judiciary to address the deteriorating condition of some existing courtrooms.
The NBA chairman described some of the court facilities as dilapidated and unsuitable for an institution expected to uphold the dignity, integrity and nobility of the legal profession.
On judicial autonomy, Kekemeke pledged the support of the Akure branch for financial independence of the judiciary, promising that the NBA would monitor the implementation of the policy by the executive and judicial arms of government in the state.
He said the welfare of lawyers would also occupy a central position in his administration, with plans to establish sustainable mechanisms for addressing members’ professional and economic concerns.
Kekemeke listed the full implementation of the branch’s welfare scheme and the restructuring of the NBA Akure Cooperative Society among measures designed to strengthen members’ welfare.
He further promised to engage relevant government authorities over delays associated with the processing of Certificates of Occupancy and the perfection of title documents, saying such bottlenecks had continued to frustrate property owners and legal practitioners.
The new NBA chairman also vowed to confront alleged exploitative practices at court registries, police stations and other government agencies, while pursuing the implementation of the Legal Practitioners’ Remuneration Order.
Beyond institutional reforms, Kekemeke said his administration would position the NBA Akure Branch as a stronger voice for the rule of law, fundamental rights, judicial independence and the professional independence of lawyers.
He said the Bar would not abdicate its responsibility to speak out whenever citizens were vulnerable or their fundamental rights violated.
Kekemeke also assured lawyers who faced harassment or intimidation because of their professional responsibilities, particularly while representing unpopular causes, that the branch would stand by them.
He called for a renewed commitment to the core values of the legal profession, including learning, character, integrity, discipline, dignity and nobility.
The inauguration attracted Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), senior lawyers, former chairmen of the branch, political leaders and other dignitaries.
Members of the new executive include Abidoye Oluwatosin John, Vice Chairman; Oluwanike Victoria Omotayo, Secretary; Maria Oluwaseun Akinrata-Bolorunduro, Treasurer; Charles Tope Gilbert-Ojo, Publicity Secretary; Grace A. Oguntoyinbo-Suluka, Financial Secretary.
Others are Queen Adebola Adegoroye, Welfare Secretary; J.D. Akeredolu, Assistant Secretary; Ojimba Michael, Social Secretary; and Omolayo Ebenezer Akintan, Provost.
