Lawyers in Ogun State on Monday, staged a three-day boycott of court proceedings to protest what they described as “inimical” policies introduced by the state judiciary.
DAILY POST gathered that the boycott, enforced by the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, branches in Abeokuta, Sagamu, and Ota, paralyzed judicial activities in some courts across the state.
The lawyers are kicking against a ₦100,000 fee for virtual hearings, an increase in oath administration fee from ₦200 to over ₦1,500, and restrictions limiting lawyers to processing only four witness oaths per day.
In Abeokuta, NBA Chairman, Kayode Aderemi, led officials of the branch to enforce compliance at courtrooms in Isabo and the state judiciary complex in Kobape.
Litigants and lawyers from outside the state were caught unawares, leaving many stranded.
Addressing journalists, Aderemi said the boycott became necessary after failed attempts to engage the judiciary leadership and the Chief Judge.
“The boycott is in protest against certain policies of the Ogun State Judiciary, which we believe are inimical to the interests of our members,” he said.
“First, the payment of a ₦100,000 virtual hearing fee. This means any litigant who wishes to have a matter heard virtually must pay ₦100,000 for each session.
“Second, the increase in oath administration fee from ₦200 to over ₦1,500. Our clients have complained about this and it has also affected us as lawyers who are constantly being questioned.
“Third, lawyers cannot process more than four witness oaths in a single day. If I have 15 or more witnesses in a
