Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo has signed the Multi-door Courthouse Bill into law for easier access to justice and to align with global trends in alternative dispute resolution.

Mr Akeredolu, who signed the bill on Tuesday at the EXCO Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Alagbaka Akure, encouraged the public to explore the multi-door courthouse’s alternative.

He explained that the courthouse would further boost the administration of justice and allow litigants to settle matters without going through the conventional court process, which, in most cases, created enmity and took longer to resolve.

The Ondo governor disclosed that the law would assist the country’s legal process, which had become cumbersome.

The governor particularly charged the judges and other stakeholders in charge of the administration of justice to encourage litigants to make use of out-of-court settlements and explore alternative resolutions for the peace and progress of society.

“Encourage people to explore alternative dispute resolution. Please, take advantage of this alternative dispute resolution. Look at ways of settling matters for them. Make the environment convivial. Don’t let them see themselves as adversaries,” he said.

Mr Akeredolu added that his administration enjoyed a good working relationship with the judiciary and the legislature. He advised judicial officers to create an enabling and peaceful environment for litigants to see the need to resolve matters amicably without becoming enemies after the case.

“What the law is set to do is very clear. It is to assist our legal process, which has become cumbersome,” the governor added.