The Lagos State Government, through the State’s Ministry of Justice, showcased some of its achievements at the 2023 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) held at Citadel Event Centre, Ikeja, Lagos.
Speaking during the Lagos Showcase Session at the just concluded NBA (SPIDEL) Annual Conference, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Titilayo Shitta-Bey-Jeje noted that the constant reform of laws in the State is to enhance the administration of the criminal justice system while providing unabridged access to justice for all residents in the State.
She stressed that a total number of 25 Bills have been passed and signed into law to ensure speedy dispensation of Justice in the State.
“Lagos has always been an innovative State which creates people-oriented laws and policy design to make life better and safer for its people of diverse culture, race, nationality, religion and social status”, she said.
She further stated that the State Government under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is committed to enhancing the quality of service delivery of the State judiciary through renovations of various Magistrate and High Court buildings across the State, noting that 10 courts have been fully digitalised, as well creating an online platform where citizens of the State can visit to access all forms of legal advice.
The Administrator-General and Public Trustee of the State, Mr. Jide Oduyebo noted that the Office was established with the statutory responsibility of managing and equitably sharing Assets of Estates of persons who died intestate (without leaving a Will), but, however, AG&PT can act on behalf of the estate of deceased persons who left a Will especially when the Testator makes the agency as the executor of the Will.
He emphasised that the agency has the mandate to manage and distribute the assets of the estates to the beneficiaries who have proved their relationship to the deceased in line with the relevant laws of the State
He also revealed that individuals through the agency can obtain letters of administration in respect of estate under its management, amongst others.
While speaking on the activities of her unit, the Coordinator of the Special Task Force on Land Grabber, Miss. Rukayat Shomade disclosed that over 7000 petitions have been received since the establishment of the agency in June, 2016.
Shomade further stated that 2500 petitions have been treated with about 1500 petitions outside the State’s jurisdiction considered to be frivolous, stressing that 10 convictions have been made and 70 petitioners have fully recovered their property.
Participants at the event include Lawyers, Directors, Counsel and other members of the Bar and Bench.
