The Olowu of Owu, Oba Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola, Otileta VII has inaugurated the maiden session of OLOWU MEDIATION CENTRE at Itapa Olowu, Oke Ago-Owu, Abeokuta.
The Olowu Mediation Centre patterned in line with the Alternative Dispute Resolution systek, ADR mechanism is expected to settle civil disputes among Owu communities and their neighbours through time-tested, established Alternative Dispute Resolution scheme.
The monrch in an address at the inauguration observed that earlier in the year 2023, more than a score Owu professionals and noble men and women had undergone trainings, through the instrumentality of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp, as neutrals for the administration of alternative dispute resolution with a view to formalise the establishment of a royal Multi-Door dispute resolutions Centre in the Palace.
He said neutrals to sit at the Olowu Mediation Centre, the first of its kind in traditional jurisprudence in Nigeria and Ogun State, will include Oba Dr. Olufemi Ogunleye, Towulade Akinale, a Chartered Mediator and Conciliator, who is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators and also a Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) among others.
Speaking on the importance of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanism. Oba Matemilola informed that the world over, ADR is fast gaining momentum as people are increasingly coming to the realisation that litigation can no longer be fully relied upon to settle all matters, especially civil related matters.
The system as he said comes with lots of advantages because they are seen as flexible, cost- efficient and time- effective as it give the parties more control over the process and the results, therefore parties who resolve the disputes through ADR are generally more satisfied because they may directly participate in working out the terms of their settlements.
The Owu monarch also said the process will also go a long way to assist in the reform of the nations Judiciary , as it will help in no small measure to decongest our prison, as cases that would have led to long time litigation and subsequently imprisonment, would have been settled through the Alternative means. This is in addition to the possibility of helping to foster peace , unity and cohesion within the community.
He urged the people from various communities within the Owu Kingdom to take full advantage of the opportunities inherent as the neutrals involved comprise of people of impeccable characters who will.mediate on any matter brought before then with the fear of God and in line with the laid down procedures of ADR mechanism.
Oba Matemilola enjoined other communities to emulate the gesture in order to make our various communities a peaceful haven.
At the inauguration of the Centre in Oke Ago Owu in Abeokuta, a mock Alternative Dispute Resolution case involving two parties within the Owu Community bothering on land Dispute was adjudicated upon and the case was amicable settled.
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