Magistrates and Judges Equipped to Enforce Inclusive Justice Under 2017 Disability Law in Oyo State.
In a groundbreaking move to advance disability rights, the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities (OYSAPD) spearheaded a high-impact sensitization workshop for Magistrates and Grade ‘A’ Customary Court Judges on the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities Law (2017). Held on May 8 and continuing on May 15, 2025, the event—organised in collaboration with the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC Ibadan) and sponsored by I Hope Care Centre, USA—marked a pivotal step toward ensuring equal access to justice for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the state.
Chief Judge Champions Disability-Inclusive Judiciary
The Honourable Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, represented by Hon. Justice Olagunju, delivered a powerful keynote address, urging judicial officers to eliminate barriers faced by PWDs in court proceedings.
“The judiciary must lead by example in enforcing the rights of persons with disabilities,” Justice Olagunju declared. “This law mandates accessibility—whether through sign language interpreters, braille documents, or disability-friendly infrastructure. As magistrates and judges, your rulings and courtroom practices must reflect fairness and inclusion.”
Her address set the tone for intensive sessions on non-discrimination, reasonable accommodations, and procedural adjustments needed to align court operations with the 2017 law.
Deep Dive into Disability Rights Law
Facilitated by Barr. Fola Awoyemi of JDPC Ibadan, the workshop equipped participants with practical tools to implement the law, covering:
- Legal Protections: Understanding PWDs’ rights to dignity, access, and participation in judicial processes.
- Courtroom Adaptations: Ensuring physical accessibility (ramps, assistive devices) and communication access (interpreters, easy-read formats).
- Case Studies: Analyzing real-world scenarios where PWDs faced exclusion—and how magistrates can intervene.
Mr. Akande, Coordinating Director of OYSAPD, emphasized in his welcome remarks:
“This training is not optional; it is our collective duty to dismantle barriers. The Agency will monitor compliance and support judicial officers in this transition.”
OYSAPD’s Pledge: From Awareness to Action
Barr. Ayodele Adekanmbi, Director-General of OYSAPD, closed the event with a bold commitment:
“Our Agency will not stop at workshops. We are rolling out compliance audits, helplines for reporting violations, and sector-wide trainings—because justice delayed for PWDs is justice denied.”
He announced upcoming collaborations with police stations, hospitals, and schools to amplify disability rights awareness, thanking I Hope Care Centre, USA for their partnership.
Why This Workshop Matters
Nigeria’s Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 aligns with Oyo State’s 2017 law, but implementation gaps persist. By targeting judicial officers—the gatekeepers of justice—this initiative ensures PWDs can challenge discrimination effectively.
Next Steps
- Court Accessibility Audits: OYSAPD to assess facilities statewide.
- Ongoing Training: Quarterly workshops for judges, lawyers, and court staff.
- Public Awareness: Campaigns to educate PWDs on their rights under the law.
A Call to Action
The workshop’s success signals Oyo State’s leadership in disability inclusion. As Barr. Adekanmbi noted:
“When magistrates uphold these standards, they send a message: In our courts, disability does not mean disadvantage.”
