… Secures MOU for Better Understanding
Lagos State Citizens Mediation Centre (CMC) at Ijaiye Ojokoro on Thursday successfully resolved a prolonged family dispute involving a 15-year-old girl, her guardian and her father.
The mediation process culminated in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that commits both parties to fostering a more harmonious environment.
The dispute arose when the complainant, acting as the guardian to the respondent’s daughter, reported the girl’s uncontrollable behaviour at home and school. Despite various efforts, the young girl remained unrepentant and continued her misconduct.
The situation was further strained by the respondent’s lack of livelihood and his poor relationship with both his daughter and her guardian.
The CMC held several mediation sessions, including three adjournments, to address the issues.
The key participants included the complainant, the respondent, the girl in question, a neighbour, and the guardian’s wife. During these sessions, the respondent acknowledged that his negligence and strained relationship with the girl contributed to her behaviour.
Both the respondent and his daughter expressed deep remorse, shedding tears and offering unreserved apologies to the guardian and his wife.
The mediation resulted in a signed MOU, in which the respondent agreed to visit his daughter frequently and maintain a positive relationship with her and her guardian.
He, however, committed to behaving respectfully towards the guardian and his wife.
The daughter was, however, warned by CMC to improve her behaviour as stated in the agreement, stressing that if she continued with her unruly behaviour and misconduct, she would be sent to a welfare home.
The resolution exemplifies the effectiveness of mediation in addressing complex family issues and underscores the CMC’s vital role in fostering peaceful resolutions within the community. The successful outcome provides a framework for the family to rebuild trust and work towards a better future.
In accordance with mediation principles and the Lagos State Citizens Mediation Centre (CMC) guidelines, the names of the parties involved in the mediation process are not mentioned to protect their privacy and maintain confidentiality as the practice ensures that the details of the dispute and the identities of the parties remain private, allowing for a safe and neutral environment where participants can speak openly and work towards a resolution without fear of external judgement or repercussions.