Lagosians must embrace alternative dispute resolution in settling disputes rather than engage in self-help through violent means.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, gave the advise while commissioning two new offices of the Citizen’s Mediation Centre, CMC, at Iba and Ojo areas of Lagos, appealing to all Lagosians to continue to seek the services of the Citizen’s Mediation Centre in resolving disputes that are within its competence to handle.

According to Sanwo-Olu, the new offices commissioned was a demonstration of government’s commitment to institutionalise alternative dispute resolution through Citizens’ Mediation Centres and other government-owned agencies for proper dispensation of justice in all matters.

Sanwo-Olu said the new facilities and additional personnel would improve the speedy and efficient delivery of justice to the people within the axis.

While commending the CMC’s effort since its inception, Sanwo-Olu said over one billion naira had been received on behalf of Clients from over 44,000 cases it handled in 2019.

The governor who spoke through Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN also promised to add more centres to the additional 18 existing CMC offices across all 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas in Lagos State for easier access to justice.

In her address, Solicitor-General/Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Justice, Titilayo Shitta-Bey, said the establishment of the two offices of the Citizen’s Mediation Centre is to bring Justice to the doorstep of the people.

Shitta-Bey assured that government would continue to fulfill its commitment to ensure effective administration of justice in the state.

Chairman House Committee on Judiciary Representing OJO constituency one, Victor Akande, who expressed joy at the Governor’s gesture towards the residents of IBA and OJO axis, thanked Him for bringing the administration justice closer to the people, saying the gesture would promote peace in the area.

He said disputes would be settled here instead of going to courts and this would ensure peaceful co-existence amongst the people.

While respognding to the gesture of the Governor, Chairman OJO Local Government Area, Rosulu Olusola, urged the residents of the axis to judiciously make use of the Centre in settling their disputes amicably without going to court, saying it is a rare privilege.

He assured that the comunity would continue to support the developmental plan of the State Government towards achieving a greater Lagos.