𝐎𝐧𝐝𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐢𝐲𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐰𝐚 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐯𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐬

Magistrates in Ondo State have appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to provide official vehicles, saying the lack of mobility exposes them to security risks and undermines the dignity of their office.

The Magistrates Association of Nigeria (Ondo chapter) said many judicial officers were forced to use commercial transport alongside criminal suspects and litigants, a situation they described as unsafe and embarrassing.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to former senator Bode Olajumoke and Vanguard Publisher Sam Amuka in Akure, the association’s spokesperson, Chief Magistrate Damilola Sekoni, revealed that about 60 magistrates in the state lack official vehicles. He said this has compelled them to scramble for buses daily while carrying out their duties.

“We, on a daily basis, hop on commercial vehicles, most times with criminals and litigants standing trial before us, with the attendant security risk to our individual lives,” Sekoni lamented.

Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Akure branch, Onimisi Umar, also appealed to the governor to intervene, noting that providing vehicles would boost morale, enhance safety, and improve judicial efficiency.

Olajumoke, responding to the concerns, promised to raise the matter with Governor Aiyedatiwa and assured the magistrates that their plea would be considered. He also urged them to uphold professionalism and avoid actions that could tarnish the legal profession.

Amuka, on his part, commended the magistrates for the visit and advised them to continue promoting the rule of law and integrity within the justice system.