Citizens' Mediation Bureau Pushes Grassroots Peace

The Lagos State Government (LASG) has launched a significant drive to promote the use of its Citizens' Mediation Bureau (CMB), urging residents to opt for peaceful dialogue over costly and prolonged litigation. Permanent Secretary Mrs. Aderinsola Olanrewaju made the call during the IBILE Stakeholders Meeting in Badagry, positioning mediation as a neutral and safe space designed to resolve civil disputes, including family, landlord-tenant, and commercial conflicts, thereby drastically reducing community conflicts and hostility across the metropolis.

The Bureau's renewed push is a strategic measure to strengthen the mediation system and prevent disagreements from escalating into major security concerns. By ensuring their mediators receive annual training, the LASG is reaffirming its commitment to a proactive approach to conflict resolution. This system offers a much-needed alternative to the "cost, delay, or hostility" often associated with traditional court battles, thereby saving the public significant time and resources.

​In a powerful call to action, Mrs. Olanrewaju implored key community stakeholders, including traditional rulers, local officials, and community leaders, to actively champion the Bureau's services. This appeal is intended to steer residents away from resorting to self-help, which often exacerbates tension, underscoring that grassroots peace remains a major operational priority for the State Government.

​Keynote Speaker Mrs. Kehinde Taiwo echoed this sentiment, delivering a clarion call for urgent action under the theme “Mediation in Challenging Times.” She stressed that building peace is a collective responsibility, not solely the government’s, and requires active participation from all segments of the community, including religious leaders, market women, youth, and families. This active promotion of harmony is viewed as the key to ensuring Lagos maintains its status as a model of peaceful communities.

​The initiative received a high-profile endorsement from local authorities, including Aholu Whenton, the 1st De Yeyi of Ajara Topa, and Aholu Samuel Amosu Owolabani, who commended the Bureau's efforts. Their pledge of continued collaboration and promise to raise awareness among Badagry residents signals a strong buy-in at the local governance level, setting the stage for increased uptake of the CMB's services and a more peaceful, cohesive social fabric in Lagos State.