Worried by the alarming congestion in correctional facilities across Ogun State, the Minority Leader of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Lukman Adeleye, has taken a bold step towards reforming the justice system by sponsoring a resolution that calls for a comprehensive review of court cases to ease inmate burden and promote timely justice.
The resolution, which was passed during Tuesday’s plenary session at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, urges the State Chief Judge and the Ministry of Justice to urgently assess and expedite lingering cases across all categories of courts.
Hon. Adeleye, who opened the debate on the motion, cited damning data from the National Bureau of Statistics and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), which places Ogun State at the top of the list of states with the highest number of death row inmates at 568 out of a national total of 84,741 inmates.
“This disturbing statistic is not just a number. It speaks to the strain on our justice system and the human cost of administrative delays,” Adeleye said.
“Industrialization, population growth, crime rates and delayed executive actions such as the signing of death warrants or granting of clemency have all contributed to this crisis.”
The motion, moved by Majority Leader Hon. Yusuf Sherif and seconded by Hon. Lawal Samsideen, received broad support from members of the Assembly.
Lawmakers including Honourables Oluseun Adesanya, Babatunde Tella, Adebisi Oyedele and Damilola Soneye added their voices, calling for reforms such as the use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms, expedited bail processes and the consideration of parole or clemency for inmates who have served a significant portion of their sentences.
They also appealed to stakeholders to streamline judicial procedures, reduce unnecessary delays and prioritize timely dispensation of justice.
The resolution reflects the Assembly’s growing commitment to criminal justice reform and underscores Hon. Adeleye’s role as a leading voice for humane and effective policy solutions in Ogun State.
