Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa on Tuesday declared open the 2026 Edo State Justice Summit, using the opportunity to highlight the judicial and legal policy tilt of the Governor Monday Okpebholo led administration.
“Our administration is resolute in tackling the menace of Kidnapping and Cultism. Edo State will never be a safe haven for such vices, that is why His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has set machineries in place to fast track dispensation of justice in criminal cases including kidnapping and Cultism.”
Speaking on behalf of Governor Monday Okpebholo, Idahosa commended the organisers of the two day justice summit – the Edo State Justice Sector Reform Team in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Anti-corruption (RoLAC) Programme, at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), for coming up with an apt theme, “Accelerating Justice Reform, Coordination And Accountability In Edo State: From Commitment To Results.”
Addressing judicial stakeholders, Idahosa stated, “I extend welcome to our distinguished judges, judicial officers, members of the Bar, law enforcement agencies, development partners, particularly RoLAC II, traditional rulers, oil society organisations, and all stakeholders committed to strengthening the administration of justice in our dear State.
“Our administration remains committed to bulding a justice sector that is efficient, transparent, accessible, technology-driven, and accountable to the people.”
Speaking on the benefits of the summit he stated, “The benefits of this summit cannot be over-emphasized. If Edo State moves from policy on paper, to coordinated action and real accountability, the payoff will be swift: faster case resolution, stronger public trust in the judiciary, lower cost of justice among others.”
He said the Edo State Government was resolute at ensuring that the state is not a haven for criminal elements. He advocated for judicial synergy and inclusive decisions by concerned stakeholders, “We must have a court process that will recognise that meaningful reforms can only succeed through collaboration, innovation, and the collective commitment of all stakeholders.”
In his Keynote, the Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Roland Otaru declared that the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) is one of the most important reform instruments at hand as, “Its promise is a criminal justice process that is speedy, efficient, humane, rights based and accountable. It limits needless adjournment, demands timely legal advice, provides for oversight of remand, points to non custodial and restorative options where they are lawful and appropriate. On paper, it is a fine bridge.”
He highlighted setbacks which militate against the actualization of justice, reforms needed to be put in place which are backed by law and need for a data driven system to track the progress and loopholes in the actualization of the criminal justice system in Edo State.
Secretary, Edo State Government (SSG) Musa Ikhilor Esq presented a paper, “Comparism of Justice sector reforms as an imperative for good governance, for human rights and for investments,” wherein he stated that the 1999 constitution in section 14 (2), paragraph (B), posits that the welfare and security of citizens is the primary purpose of government.
“All mechanisms created including the judiciary itself and the justice system as enshrined in section 6 of the constitution is meant to fulfil that Ultimate aim of governance.”
He spoke extempore on the justice system and on the need for members of the bench, especially Judges who minister in the temple of justice to speak truth to power, as of old, in the interest of truth and the masses.
Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinwande Gbadejo of the Rule of Law and Anti-corruption (RoLAC) co-sponsors of the summit harped on making optimal use of time and donor funds to make reforms into laws as the international development structure is shrinking .
Award plaques were later presented to the Edo State Governor in recognition for reforms put in place in Edo State.
The Edo State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa was present at the event.