The Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has requested the support of the judiciary to ensure improved access to justice and provision of legal aids on gender-based violence and other social vices.
The Commissioner Hon. Adijat Adeleye made the request on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the State Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu at the Judiciary Complex, Kobape, Abeokuta.
Adeleye, who bemoaned the increasing number of gender based violence and other social vices said, it was past time for better legal safeguards to be put in place in order to punish those found guilty of the menace.
She further advocated for the establishment of a special court to hasten up the judicial process and procedures of getting justice for survivors as well as a documentation of sexual assault offenders to serve as deterrent to others, with a view to ensuring societal sanity.
The commissioner while recounting instances of sharp practices in Child adoption, sought the support of the Chief Judge to strengthen the administrative process towards bringing all perpetrators to book. She further commended the strides recorded by the Chief Judge since her assumption of office, acknowledging the various reforms being put in place.
In her responses, the Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu reiterated the Judiciary’s commitment at ensuring that necessary legal advice and support were provided through legal aids, to ensure the rights of individuals, while setting standard for equitable enforcement of the law, to reduce societal vices.
Explaining the delay of some cases on SGBV and family matters, Justice Dipeolu urged Social Welfare Officers to brace up to their duties and endeavour to enlighten parents, relatives and witnesses on the need to stand by the survivors during court proceedings, as it is the only way a victim could get justice.
On child adoption cases, the Chief Judge pointed out that lose ends should be tightened and due diligence carried out at both the judicial and Ministry for safety and welfare of the children.
