…Over 300 Applicants Screened for Justice of the Peace Title
Omobolaji Adekunle Ibadan
The Oyo State Government has issued a strong warning to newly screened applicants for the position of Justice of the Peace (JP), cautioning them against interfering in criminal matters that lie beyond their jurisdiction.
The warning was delivered by the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Ayodeji Abiodun Aikomo, Esq., during a two-day screening exercise for over 300 JP applicants held at the Ministry of Justice Conference Room, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
Addressing journalists after the exercise, Aikomo underscored the importance of integrity, impartiality, and confidentiality as core values for those seeking to serve as JPs.
“Uphold integrity, act without bias, maintain confidentiality, and serve with fairness. Do not take sides in disputes, do not exploit the position for personal gain, and do not interfere in criminal cases beyond your jurisdiction,” he warned.
According to the Commissioner, the screening aimed to select only credible and competent individuals to serve in the honorary role. He clarified that the JP position is not a status symbol but a community service role intended to promote grassroots justice.
He explained that JPs are expected to mediate minor civil disputes, promote peace and order in their communities, and support legal processes such as witnessing affidavits and other documents.
Earlier, the Director of the Citizens Mediation Centre, Mrs. Adeola Ige Adeleke, advised applicants to familiarize themselves with the Justice of the Peace manuals to fully understand their responsibilities.
In a similar vein, the Director of Administration and Supplies, Mrs. Fatimo Yusuf, emphasized that the JP role is fundamentally about “making peace, building harmony, and supporting justice based on truth.”
The screening panel consisted of senior officials from the Ministry of Justice and related government agencies, who assessed applicants based on their integrity, history of community service, and understanding of the JP role.
The exercise forms part of the Oyo State Government’s broader effort to enhance access to justice at the grassroots level and ensure fair, community-based conflict resolution mechanisms.
Successful candidates will be formally conferred with the honorary JP title after due diligence and final vetting processes are completed.
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