Ex-Supreme Court Justice heads Alternative Resolution Committee

Other members of the committee are Prof. Gregory Akenzua, Chief Edionwere Oliha (the Oliha of Benin), Justice Samuel Elaiho (retired Justice of Edo State High Court), Justice Joseph Olubor (retired President, Customary Court), Mr. Daniel Inneh, Chief Abel Ehiogie and Surveyor James Amadin Osazuwa. Inaugurating the committee, Oba Ewuare II said the committee was to arbitrate, to mediate and resolve disputes among individuals and communities that voluntarily brings cases to them. Oba Ewuare II said he set up the committee because the people lost confidence in previous ad hoc committees used by the palace to settle disputes. The Royal father said members of the Committee were carefully selected based on their past records and respected sons of Benin Kingdom who have proven themselves in their field of endeavor. He stated the the present eight members of the Committee would be expanded to 12, and divided into two groups with five members each and two floating members. “If anybody is not satisfied with the decision of the committee, a window does exist for such person to see me to mediate,” he assured. In his acceptance speech, Justice Uwaifo, said the inauguration of the committee has heralded a new dawn dispute resolution in Benin Kingdom. He assured that the committee would give fair hearing and justice to litigants, saying that the Committee will do their best to justify the confidence reposed in them by the Monarch. On the part of the AIG Zone 5, Muhammed Abubakar Adamu, he assured the palace of the support of the police in ensuring sucess of the committee. He said the development would assist Benin communities as well as the police, as most cases brought before the police are supposed to be dealt with by traditional institutions. On her part, the Chief Justice of the State, Justice Esther Ikpomwen, said the establishment of the Committee will save the judiciary of time that could have otherwise been duplicated on cases that could have been resolved.]]>