Introduction:
My name is Pastor Hezekiah Deboboye Olujobi, and I am the Executive Director of the Centre for Justice Mercy and Reconciliation (CJMR), an organization based in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Today, I want to share with you my role as a pastor in the justice sector.
1. Pastoral Care:
As a pastor, I frequently provide spiritual and emotional support to individuals and families involved in legal matters. This includes victims of crime, incarcerated individuals, and those facing legal challenges. My focus is on those who are innocent of the allegations against them.
2. Advocacy and Support:
Beyond pastoral care, I actively advocate for social justice issues. I support marginalized and vulnerable populations and work to address systemic injustices within the community or in detention facilities.
3. Research and Investigation for Effective Advocacy:
To champion the cause of the innocent behind bars, I conduct thorough research and investigations. I independently review and analyze judgments that convicted them, seeking the truth behind their claims. Additionally, I identify lawyers willing to offer pro bono services for the indigent, ensuring they have access to legal representation. In this way, I bridge the gap between the accused and the judiciary, standing as an intermediary to advocate for their fair treatment.
4. Rehabilitation and Reintegration:
In some cases, I participate in programs aimed at rehabilitating and reintegrating individuals who have been through the criminal justice system. I offer guidance, counseling, and support to help them transition back into society and rebuild their lives. Recently, I facilitated the release of four “Borstal boys” in Abeokuta and assisted their reintegration into their families.
5. Mediation and Conflict Resolution:
Recognizing the power of restorative justice, I often serve as a mediator or facilitator in resolving disputes within the community or between offenders and victims. I offer a non-legal avenue for conflict resolution and reconciliation, promoting harmony and healing.
6. Moral and Ethical Guidance:
Navigating legal matters can be emotionally and morally challenging. As a pastor, I provide moral and ethical guidance to individuals involved, helping them make difficult decisions with spiritual and ethical principles in mind.
Impact and Vision:
My efforts have yielded significant results. Nineteen individuals have regained their freedom after spending 17-28 years behind bars due to wrongful convictions. Additionally, over 600 detainees have been released after serving 10-13 years in detention for minor offenses. Our service extends beyond Oyo State, reaching individuals in Ogun, Osun, and Lagos States.
Looking ahead, I am determined to free even more victims in the first quarter of 2024. To further my work, I have written a book titled “Their Stories Behind Bars,” which will be released soon. You can also visit my website, [https://www.cjmr.com.ng](https://www.cjmr.com.ng), for more details about our work and initiatives.
Feel free to reach out to me for any consultation or to discuss potential collaborations. You are also welcome to join our dedicated volunteer group, where you can contribute your skills and passion to the cause of justice and mercy.