The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, on Monday, announced the Federal Government’s approval for the establishment of the Appeal Court in Ogun State.
Litigants and lawyers in Ogun State have for many years had to travel to Ibadan, Oyo State capital, to pursue matters that have to go to the Appellate court.
This is said to have brought with it lots of constraints and inconveniences, given the time and additional costs the litigants had to bear travelling from different parts of the state to attend to such matters before the Ibadan Division Court of Appeal.
Abiodun, while speaking during the church service held at the Cathedral of St Peter, Ake, Abeokuta, to mark the commencement of the 2025/2026 legal year, declared that the Federal Government has graciously approved the long-standing request of the state government to have a Court of Appeal established in the state.
The governor urged both members of the bar and bench to continue to embrace integrity, adding that justice cannot thrive without integrity, impartiality, and, of course, courage.
Abiodun maintained that the judiciary remained the only place where the most vulnerable find a voice, and where every man, woman and child feels protected by the Law.
He also assured that his administration will continue to provide necessary support and resources to enhance judicial efficiency and to uphold the sanctity of the legal system in Ogun.
He said, “As we continue to respect court orders and judgments, we will also continue to support the judiciary in ensuring equitable dispensation and efficient administration of justice in Ogun state.
“We must try to identify with the fact that a strong, independent and upper judiciary is indispensable to good governance, economic development and social stability.
“Therefore, our administration will continue to provide the necessary support and resources to enhance judicial
“In furtherance of this commitment, and apart from providing the needed ambience, we have continued to facilitate and strengthen the judicial process in our dear state.
“This is underscored by the continuous and recent appointment of new judges in the State Judiciary, ensuring that the good people of Ogun state can continue to enjoy the dividends of justice as part of the effectiveness of this administration”
“I also believe that this very auspicious occasion presents me with the pleasure and opportunity to proudly announce that we have finally received the formal approval of the establishment of the Ogun State Division of the Federal Court of Appeal”.
Speaking at the event the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Modupeola Dipeolu, commended Abiodun for working hard to get the approval for the establishment of the Appeal Court in the state as 85% of cases that are before the Ibadan Court of Appeal are from the state.
Justice Dipeolu said it had been her long-held dream since assuming office as the Chief Judge of the state to get the state its division of the Court of Appeal adding that the development would no doubt help expand access to justice while also relieving the litigants and lawyers of lots of inconveniences.
The Chief Judge said that the bar and the bench would continue to collaborate and dispense justice to Nigerians without fear or favour.
Justice Mosunmola, also at a separate programme held at the Judiciary Complex, Kobape road, Abeokuta, presented awards and gifts to about 20 outstanding judiciary staff as well as 16 other retiring workers for their invaluable contributions while in service.
Meanwhile, the Anglican Bishop of Ijebu-Southwest diocese, Rt Rev’d Babatunde Ogunbanwo, has charged judicial officers to be bold, ready to confront the system and stand against corruption rather than being swayed by power, wealth and popularity.
Ogunbanwo, who spoke during the special church service insisted that legal officers must stand up for what is right even when it’s unpopular.
Delivering his sermon from the account of Micah 6:8, Rev Ogunbanwo, stated that God requires the judiciary to act justly, love mercy and work humbly with him, stressing that justice is a daily duty and not once in a once-a-year routine.
The cleric noted that presently, the public trust in the legal system is fragile, urging them to rebuild trust, hold justice with mercy, stating that a system without mercy becomes bitter.
He asserted that the legal authority is a sacred trust and prayed that they don’t misuse it as everyone is accountable to a higher judge, God.
Recall that the judges in the state had since July embarked on the annual vacation and resumed in September to begin the new legal year
