The Osun Palaver: Where is the Enrollment of Judgment?

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By Dr. Olusanya Awosan

I cannot forget one of the training workshops I attended in 1976 while working at the High Court, Ado Ekiti Judicial Division, in the old Ondo State. In fact, those few years at the High Court in old Ondo and later old Oyo remain the golden era of learning and culture for me. What I heard, saw, and learned in the various departments where I worked—the library, registry, and open court—holds far more value than even my doctorate degree. I delve deeper into this in my book, Igbaye: The Story of Our Upbringing.

This particular workshop was for young Clerical Officers who joined the service when the newly created Ondo State needed competent hands in the Public Service, particularly in administering justice. The workshop focused on the Enrollment of Judgment/Order. After a judge delivers a judgment or order, the Enrollment of Judgment makes it enforceable. It is a crucial administrative step handled by the Court Registry, marking the official recording and formalization of the court’s decision, thus making it a public document. It does not require the theatrics of television evangelists, or should I say, television SANs.

The Enrollment of Judgment/Order clearly outlines the judge’s decisions and includes the following steps:

• – All parties (or their lawyers) review and approve the formal order for accuracy.
• – The judge signs the order, signifying their final approval.
• – The signed order is submitted to the Court Registry for official recording and sealing.
• – Once enrolled, certified copies are issued to all parties.

This process transforms the judge’s verbal pronouncement into a legally binding and enforceable document. Enrollment also:

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• – Sets deadlines for post-judgment actions like appeals or enforcement proceedings.
• – Makes the enrolled judgment/order part of the public record, accessible for future reference.

No Attorney General’s press statement holds legal weight. The winning party can use legal mechanisms to compel compliance without resorting to force. In property cases, an enrolled judgment/order may be required to update ownership records or enforce liens. Failure to enroll promptly can hinder post-judgment actions. It is important to note that press statements are not judicial instruments.

In conclusion, the Enrollment of Judgment/Order is a critical administrative step that bridges the gap between a judge’s decision and its practical legal effect. It ensures the judgment/order is formally recorded, legally binding, and readily enforceable, ultimately upholding the rule of law and facilitating the resolution of legal disputes.

Dr. Olusanya Awosan

Public Relations Consultant and Chairman, Centre for Ethics and Civic Orientation, Lagos, Nigeria,  from Igbaye Street, Ilesa, Osun State.