- As AJUCCON holds Valedictory Session for Retiring Judges
Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Abuja Branch (Unity Bar) Mr. Bulus Atsen has called for a better working relationship between the Bar and the Bench.
Atsen made the call yesterday at a valedictory session hosted by the Association of Judges of the Customary Court of Nigeria (AJUCCON), Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chapter for its retiring Judges – Honorable Eduok Okon and Honorable Samson John.
Atsen who described the Bar and the Bench “as partners in progress in the Temple of justice” entreated that both parties “must work together to rebuild confidence in the judiciary.” Mr. Atsen also commended the recent decision of the Customary Court sitting in Pyakasa which held that Bata Dance Originated from Yoruba land. “I commend the court for upholding and protecting Bata, the Yoruba Traditional Cultural Expression.”
In a unanimous decision of the court, it was also ruled that BATA dance and music is the true Yoruba custom and heritage and its applicable reality is not limited to persons living in Yoruba land in Nigeria which implies that wherever Bata dance or music is identified, the Yoruba heritage, history, and connecting elements cannot be denied. The ruling delivered by His Honour, Ehusani Abel Simpa, in the case of incorporated Trustees of Intellectual Property Lawyers Association of Nigerian and Black Bones Theater Kompany, held that from the witnesses’ evidence, SALSA was drawn out like a limbo from BATA.
Atsen also commend the retiring judges for their selfless service on the Bench. Likewise, Mr. Folarin Aluko, a past Chairman of the NBA Abuja Branch, commended the FCT Customary Court on its speedy dispensation of cases and innovative embrace of virtual proceedings which promote access to justice for the common man. Legal Adviser to the Branch, Mr. Tosin Olufon shared his thoughts on the concept of meritorious service on the Bench.
Earlier in the session, AJUCCON’s Secretary General, Hon. Ehusani Abel Simpa delivered an address on functions of the Bench and the pedigree of the retiring judges.
Among the key persons at the event was Mr. Aliyu Abdullahi, Chairman of Gwagwalada Branch. The Bench was represented by Magistrates, Area Court Judges and other members of the FCT Bench.
The session also featured the presentation of Meritorious Service Awards from the Association of Judges of Customary Court of Nigeria (AJUCCON), FCT Branch, to awardees including Hon. Eduok Okon, Hon. Samson John, pioneer AJUCCON Chairman, Hon. Allen Juwobor (Rtd), Hon. Doocivir Yawe, Hon. Hauwa J. Yilwa and the Chief Registrar of the Customary Court of Appeal of the FCT.
