Lagos CJ Inaugurates LMDC Governing Council

The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Inumidun Akande has inaugurated the reappointed members of the Lagos Multi-Door Courthouse (LMDC) governing council.

The reappointed members are Justice Opeyemi Oke, Justice Atunike Ipaye, Justice Raliatu Adebiyi, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Lagos State, Mr. Ade Ipaye, Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja branch, Mr. Adebamigbe Omole and LMDC Director, Mrs. Caroline Etuk.

LMDC was set up in 2007 as the alternative dispute resolution arm of the Lagos State Judiciary.

Addressing the reappointed members of the council, Justice Akande noted that the introduction of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) into the judicial space of the Lagos State has presented potential for expanding the frontiers of access to justice in addition to enabling an investment friendly climate for socio-economic growth.

The Chief Judge tasked the council members to focus on bench marking its dispute resolution and other services against top class international providers of dispute resolution services.

“In the years to come, the LMDC should ensure that quality service is provided at all levels; whether they are commercial or non commercial cases; walk-ins or court mandated disputes, resolutions must be within specified time lines, at minimal cost to parties who should obtain remedies that satisfy their mutual interests.

“Furthermore, while constructively impacting the case load of the courts and consolidating on the provision of ADR services to a wide spectrum of commerce and industry; from the high net worth clientele to small claims of micro, small and medium enterprise, I counsel you not to neglect the Pro-Bono services to the financially challenged in the society.

“Equally important is the Lagos Magistracy. The Magistracy Law 2009 provides for referrals of matters to the LMDC for speedy resolution. You will need to pay attention to this vast reservoir of disputes from the larger segment of the society and provide the needed solution.”

Responding, the new chairman of LMDC governing council, Justice Opeyemi Oke thanked the Chief Judge for the opportunity given to members of the council to serve. She promised that they would work tirelessly to take the LMDC project to the next level of excellence.

—Henry Ojelu