ADR complements, not threatens legal practice, Ondo CJ clarifies

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Chief Judge of Ondo State, Olusegun Odusola, has come forward to demystify misconceptions surrounding the adoption of Alternative Dispute Resolution, noting that it does not undermine legal practice but rather strengthens the justice system.

Odusola made the remark on Friday during a stakeholders’ town hall meeting on the operations of the Ondo Multi-Door Courthouse held in Ore, in Odigbo Local Government Area.

He explained that ADR, which involves mediation, conciliation and arbitration, serves as an effective alternative to lengthy courtroom litigation.

According to him, the initiative is designed to complement the existing judicial process and improve efficiency in the delivery of justice across the state.

The CJ said, “Alternative dispute resolution is not a threat to the legal profession. Rather, it enhances service delivery and supports ongoing reforms within the justice sector.”

He added that lawyers who embrace ADR would better serve their clients while contributing to a more responsive and inclusive justice system.

Odusola further stressed that access to justice should go beyond courtroom proceedings, asserting that, “Justice should not be confined to courtrooms alone but must be taken closer to the people in every part of society.”

While calling on stakeholders to actively promote and utilise ADR, he added that the initiative’s success depends on collective participation and sustained public awareness.