23/07/2026
OGUN CJ DESCRIBES JROs DUTY AS INDISPENSABLE IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE
The Chief Judge of Ogun State, Hon. Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu has described Judicial Research Officers’ as important in the administration of justice. This was her assertion at a 4-day annual judicial Officers’ retreat held at Idi- Oke, in Ogun State.
Speaking further,Hon. Justice Dipeolu intoned that the quality of research placed before a Judge often determines how quickly complex legal issues are understood and resolved. Noting that a carefully prepared research memorandum, a properly analysed statutory provision or a well-distinguished judicial precedent saves valuable judicial time and contributes to sound decision making.
His Lordship also stressed that the theme of the Retreat, ‘Strengthening Judicial Research Capacity for Efficient Justice Delivery in Emerging Areas of Law,’ reflects that reality and serves as a reminder that the administration of justice is strengthened when Judicial Officers are supported by thorough, accurate and well-reasoned legal research.
In her words, the Chief Judge said, “ Contemporary issues in matrimonial causes continue to generate difficult legal questions before our Courts. Electronic evidence and digital documents have become regular features in both civil and criminal proceedings. Legal writing remains one of the most essential skills required of every Judicial Research Officer. These are subjects that you encounter, or will encounter, in the course of your work.”
His Lordship, Hon. Justice O. Majekodunmi, represented by His Lordship , Hon. Justice Olufunke. Odubanjo who presented a paper on the topic “Contemporary Issues in Divorce Proceedings under the Matrimonial Causes Act” submitted that there must be an intentional push for urgent legislation to include specific alternative dispute resolution provisions in the laws governing divorce proceedings, adding that the Matrimonial Causes Act and Matrimonial Causes Rules should be updated to address these current realities and also include provisions for divorce proceedings to be referred to the Multi -Door Courthouse for mediation, possible dissolution or in the alternative, for the creation of specialised family, mediators as well as psychologists and sociologists in assistance.
Hon. Justice Majekodunmi explicitly pointed that it is apparent that not only are there contemporary issues with the Matrimonial Causes Act and Matrimonial Causes rules as divorce itself is a contemporary issue for the courts advising that those who think divorce cases are easily done and dusted by the court should have a rethink.
Also delivering a paper on the topic “Electronic evidence and digital documents In civil and criminal proceedings” Prof. K. O Amusa of the Department of the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, pointed out that advancement in technology and globalisation are the hallmarks of our present age. He explained further that both phenomena have radically revolutionised both private and public sectors of several countries, including Nigeria because In contemporary times, financial transactions, communication systems, modern appliances etc. depend on the use of computers and other electronic gadgets.
Prof. Amusa also noted that most of the problems associated with the admissibility of electronic and digital documents cannot be undermined and Judicial pronouncements on section 84 of the Evidence Act and its amended provision in 2023 Act are still evolving. He further advised that ,most of the cases reviewed during the paper presentation must be studied by the participants ,which will serve as a guide in future cases. He further intoned that the inclusion of provisions on admissibility of electronic and computer evidence in the Evidence Act is heartwarming and salutary.
Prof. Charles Adekoya who discussed on the “Legal Writing and research for Judicial Research Officers” admonished JROs to avoid misrepresentation of legislation, procedural rules, judicial decisions, rulings/orders, facts or quoting statements out of context and must always demonstrate extreme diligence in their role performance and exercise extreme caution by ascertaining that all legal information sourced by AI legal assistant tools and the internet, are meticulously verified to ascertain their credibility to avoid overruled ,delusional cases or citations, resulting into a better legal writing.
The retreat featured a practical dimension thereby making the training programme participatory. While each lecture at the event was followed by breakout sessions involving case studies, simulations and role play aimed urposely to make the participants apply the principles discussed during the lectures to practical situations similar to those encountered in the Courts.
