Burutu Councillor Begins Renovation of Dilapidated Customary Court

The renovation is being undertaken by the Councillor representing Burutu Ward 18 in the Burutu Local Government Legislative House, Hon. Pondy Ebipadewei Stainless, as part of efforts to restore the court and improve access to justice at the grassroots.

Ebipadewei said the building had remained in a deplorable condition for decades, making it unsuitable for judicial proceedings.

The councillor said he decided to intervene to restore the dignity of the judicial institution and provide a suitable environment for court officials, litigants and other members of the public.

He disclosed that work had commenced, with the old roofing sheets removed ahead of reconstruction. Roofing timber, floor tiles, doors, windows and other building materials had also been purchased.

Ebipadewei said the renovation would go beyond cosmetic repairs, promising to complete the project within the shortest possible time and ensure the facility was formally commissioned.

The intervention is expected to end the difficulties associated with conducting court proceedings in a private residence and provide Burutu residents with a more appropriate facility for resolving customary disputes.

Customary courts serve as important grassroots institutions for dispute resolution, making their accessibility and working conditions critical to community justice and peaceful coexistence.

The renovation comes weeks after the councillor empowered 200 constituents in Ward 18 with N50,000 each to support their economic needs.

While the cash support targeted individual beneficiaries, the court project is expected to benefit the wider community through improved public infrastructure and access to judicial services.