The Ibadan branch of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators recently moved to deepen the cause of alternative conflict resolution when it inaugurated some prominent Nigerians as patrons. Led by its Chairman, Barrister Adeyemi Opakunle, the institute sought to tap from the wealth of knowledge, professionalism, experience and goodwill of the patrons who, in turn, demonstrated enthusiasm and promise to support its ideals and programmes.
The appointed Ibadan Branch patrons include Chief Adeniran Adetoye, Hon. Justice T.M. Abdulganiyu, Hon. Justice (Prof.) Alero Akeredolu and Prof. Albert Olawale. Others are Comrade Olu Abiala, His Excellency, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo and Revd. Philip Alakhume.
Many dignitaries, including the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oyo State, Abiodun Aikomo, graced the occasion. Aikomo, who was the guest of honour, emphasised the importance of involving younger demographics, stating that mediation skills were essential, particularly for the majority in the society in age bracket 20s, 30s, and 40s.
He stated that the inevitability of conflicts calls for a collaborative effort from the government, communities, and religious bodies to promote peaceful coexistence.
Aikomo expressed concern over the older age representation within the Ibadan Branch of mediators, stressing the significance of skilled young individuals in delivering effective mediation services.
He mentioned the impending establishment of the Oyo State Agency for Mass Mobilisation, a legislative proposal currently before the Oyo House of Assembly, aimed at sensitising and orienting people on peaceful living.
The Chairman of ICMC, Ibadan Branch, Mr. Adeyemi Opakunle, traced the history of the branch, its achievements while also highlighting the challenges mediators face in establishing their professional existence independently.
He urged collaboration at the branch level to leverage training opportunities for the benefit of society, emphasising the high cost and time-consuming nature of litigation.
Opakunle said, “These objectives rest on the fact that dispute is a part of human existence which exists in the home between husband and wife, parent(s) and child(ren), neighbours, communities, workplaces, employers and their employees, between towns, states and countries. It is further realised that disputes are never honestly resolved through wars, courts and commands. True resolution of disputes can only be through mediation and conciliation where the parties involved in disputes would suggest resolution to their disagreement and come out of the disagreement as friends.
“To successfully fulfil the above-listed purposes, the National body of the ICMC relies much on the State Branches and their activities and trainings. Unfortunately, just like in all other professions, we are only trained but to find our own means of existence by ourselves at all levels. This, therefore, requires that we must come together at the branch level to ensure that we apply, utilise and maximise the opportunities made available through our trainings for the maximum benefit of humanity.
“It must be realised that the cost of litigation is high and the time spent on it does lead to frustration and further enmity in most cases. To compound the situation, arbitration which could have easily mitigate the effects of litigation is also a no-go-area for disputants as its cost is completely out of reach an average person. We as trained mediators therefore stand the chance to easily sell our products to the populace and feel fulfilled in the practice. To do this however, there is the need to come together as a force, a team and a body that will propagate its own gospel, showcase its product, by help to settle their disputes and in no distant time, reap the benefit of the training.
The Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association, Ibadan Branch, Mrs Folasade Aladeniyi, represented by his Vice Chairman, praised the decision of the Branch in appointing the patrons, noting that those appointed were people of integrity worthy of emulation and honour. He urged the Branch to ensure more participation of its members to ensure that the populace feels the impact of the Institute so as to ensure justice is neither delayed nor denied.
Director of Oyo State Mediation Centre, Dr. Titilayo Dairo, who emphasised that the centre focuses on mediating cases, creating awareness about dispute settlement, and addressing issues such as family-based conflicts and gender-based violence.
She also advised youths to conduct due diligence and understand their potential partners before making relationship decisions.
Reacting on behalf of the recipients, a former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemi, expressed their gratitude to the Branch Executive and all members. He said the appointment was a call to more duties and responsibilities with a promise that he and his fellow awardees would work together to see the Branch to greater heights.
In her closing remarks, Mrs Ijeoma Ladele, the Vice Chairman, ICMC, commended the inaugurated patrons for their support, dedication, wisdom and contributions to the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators in the Branch.
The event also featured presentation of awards, recognitions among others.
