Inside Edo
Edo assembly passes Bill to Re-Establish customary Court of Appeal, adopts property protection measures
Written By: Emmanuel Ikhenebome
22 Oct 2025 07:04 PM
Benin, Edo – In a significant legislative move aimed at revitalizing traditional judicial institutions, the Edo State House of Assembly has unanimously passed a bill to repeal the Customary Court of Appeal Law 2025 and enact a new framework to re-establish the Customary Court of Appeal for Edo State.
The bill underwent meticulous scrutiny during a clause-by-clause deliberation at the Committee of the Whole stage, where lawmakers thoroughly examined its provisions before adopting it in full. Following the adoption, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Blessing Sheriff Agbebaku, issued directives to the Clerk, Alhaji Audu Omogbai, to prepare and forward clean copies of the legislation to Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo for his assent.
This step paves the way for the governor's approval, potentially breathing new life into the state's customary appeals system.
The repeal and re-enactment come amid ongoing efforts to address perceived shortcomings in the existing 2025 law, ensuring a more robust and efficient customary court structure tailored to Edo's cultural and legal landscape.
In a parallel development during the plenary session, the House received and adopted a comprehensive report on a bill seeking to safeguard government properties across the state.
Titled "A Bill for a Law to Provide for the Protection of Government Properties, Establish the Edo State Property Protection Committee, and for Other Matters Connected Therewith," the legislation was presented by Rt. Hon. Maria Edeko, Chairman of the House Committee on Security and Public Safety, who represents the Esan North East II Constituency.
The committee's report highlighted four key findings and one primary recommendation, emphasizing the urgent need to fortify protections for state-owned establishments and assets.
During deliberations, the committee identified several legal gaps—or "lacunae"—in the original draft, which were promptly addressed through targeted amendments. Lawmakers praised the committee's thoroughness, noting that the revisions strengthen the bill's enforceability without compromising its core objectives.
The House swiftly adopted the report as amended, marking a key milestone toward establishing the proposed Edo State Property Protection Committee, which will oversee enforcement and coordination efforts.
As the session drew to a close, Speaker Agbebaku urged all members to expedite their outstanding committee assignments, ensuring they are ready for presentation and debate upon resumption. The House adjourned to Monday, October 27, 2025, providing lawmakers with a brief window to finalize reports and align on priorities.
This dual passage underscores the Assembly's commitment to judicial reform and public asset security, both critical to Edo State's governance stability.
The bill underwent meticulous scrutiny during a clause-by-clause deliberation at the Committee of the Whole stage, where lawmakers thoroughly examined its provisions before adopting it in full. Following the adoption, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Blessing Sheriff Agbebaku, issued directives to the Clerk, Alhaji Audu Omogbai, to prepare and forward clean copies of the legislation to Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo for his assent.
This step paves the way for the governor's approval, potentially breathing new life into the state's customary appeals system.
The repeal and re-enactment come amid ongoing efforts to address perceived shortcomings in the existing 2025 law, ensuring a more robust and efficient customary court structure tailored to Edo's cultural and legal landscape.
In a parallel development during the plenary session, the House received and adopted a comprehensive report on a bill seeking to safeguard government properties across the state.
Titled "A Bill for a Law to Provide for the Protection of Government Properties, Establish the Edo State Property Protection Committee, and for Other Matters Connected Therewith," the legislation was presented by Rt. Hon. Maria Edeko, Chairman of the House Committee on Security and Public Safety, who represents the Esan North East II Constituency.
The committee's report highlighted four key findings and one primary recommendation, emphasizing the urgent need to fortify protections for state-owned establishments and assets.
During deliberations, the committee identified several legal gaps—or "lacunae"—in the original draft, which were promptly addressed through targeted amendments. Lawmakers praised the committee's thoroughness, noting that the revisions strengthen the bill's enforceability without compromising its core objectives.
The House swiftly adopted the report as amended, marking a key milestone toward establishing the proposed Edo State Property Protection Committee, which will oversee enforcement and coordination efforts.
As the session drew to a close, Speaker Agbebaku urged all members to expedite their outstanding committee assignments, ensuring they are ready for presentation and debate upon resumption. The House adjourned to Monday, October 27, 2025, providing lawmakers with a brief window to finalize reports and align on priorities.
This dual passage underscores the Assembly's commitment to judicial reform and public asset security, both critical to Edo State's governance stability.
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