2nd March, 2020
The move would make Edo state, the third state in the country after Kano and Lagos States to inaugurate the small claims court.
Speaking at the occasion, the Governor said the establishment of the court was a way of simplifying the legal system and providing quick justice dispensation for small business owners.
According to him, the small claims court will take the legal system to the doorstep of the people and enable the residents of the state to access justice with ease.
“With the small claims court, you can walk to the magistrates’ court close to you without a lawyer and within 60 days you will get justice,” he said
Obaseki urged the residents of the state to own and patronise the court as it was geared towards improving ease of doing business.
The governor said the state would continue to improve the working conditions of judges and magistrates, noting that a strong dispute resolution mechanism was needed for economic growth.
He said that in line with ongoing reforms in the state judiciary, his administration had awarded contracts for the rebuilding of 16 magistrates’ courts.
The governor added that the state government planned to rebuild all the magistrates’ courts in the state.