Lagos State House of Assembly Committee members on Judiciary, Human Rights, Public Petitions and LASIEC, as part of their oversight functions, paid an official visit to the Office of Public Defender (OPD) located in Surulere, Lagos.
Addressing the Management of the Office, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Ladi Ajomale narrated the purpose of the visit which was to familiarise members with the activities and challenges of the Office and also to promote the existing cordial relationship between the Committee and OPD.
The Chairman of the Committee stated further that the House of Assembly would not relent in its oversight responsibility of ensuring that the mission and vision of the Office are achieved.
Hon. Bonu, one of the members of the Committee, advised the Office to extend its advocacy regarding the Agency’s responsibilities and functions to rural areas in Lagos to create awareness and to make them benefit from the activities of the Office.
The Director of OPD, Mrs. Olubunmi Adeshomoju explained the core responsibilities and functions of the office to the Committee Members, which include providing necessary support to residents on Family Matters, Child Abuse, Child’s Right Custody & Maintenance Divorce, Civil Matters, Employer/Employee and Compensation/Monetary Claims.
Other statutory responsibilities, according to the Director, include Recovery of Possession, Recovery of Debt, Landlord/Tenant (Cases in Court), Criminal Matter, Domestic Violence, Sexual Abuse, Fundamental Human Rights (FHR), Unlawful Detention, Bail at Police Station, Rescue Mission, Prison Decongestion Exercise.
