LAGOS OFFERS FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION TO IKOTUN RESIDENTS
In furtherance of the State’s commitment to promote access to justice and build a healthy social relationship among citizens, the Lagos State Ministry of Justice has offered free legal consultation to residents of Ikotun and its environs.
Speaking at a free legal clinic organised by the Ministry of Justice held at Ikotun/Igando LCDA Secretariat, the Director, Public Advice Centre (PAC), Mr. Tunji Dawodu described the legal intervention as a way of strengthening the State’s legal framework and enhancing awareness among community members about the role and efficiency of alternative dispute resolution.
He explained that the joint clinic, which involves all service-rendering Directorates in the Ministry of Justice, is a community-based programme initiated to advance the dispute resolution mechanism and educate citizens on their legal rights.
Dawodu said the essence of the clinic was to help citizens access free legal advice that would solve their issues via mediation rather than frequenting the police station, adding that the Public Advice Centre is the first port of call for residents in distress to seek information on legal rights and responsibilities.
While assuring residents that the Joint Clinic will be held at different communities of the five divisions of the State, Dawodu implored citizens to always promote peace and support healthy dispute resolution.
The session witnessed the resolution of 19 cases, including tenancy disagreement, domestic violence, environmental dispute, Child custody and general community development disputes.
Present at the event were the Director, Office of the Public Defender, Dr. Babajide Martins; Director, Citizen’s Mediation Centre, Mrs. Abiola Oseni; representative of Administrator-General & Public Trustee, Mrs. Gbemisola Cole-Abdul Azeez; representative of Director, Citizen’s Rights, Mrs. Ganiyat Quadri; representative of Director, Community Service Unit, Mr. Tunji Kuforiji; Dr. Ademola Oshibeluwo, Chairman CDC & CDA, Alimosho Local Government; Oba Lasisi Gbadamosi, Onigando of Igando; and Chief Idowu Akeju Ewusi, Balogun of Igando.
