FG Approves Appeal Court Establishment In Ogun State

 

Federal government has approved the establishment of the Court of Appeal division in Ogun state.

This is coming after the statistics had shown that Ogun is responsible for the high volume of cases before the Ibadan division of the appellate court.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, who announced the development while speaking at the special church service ushering in the 2025/2026 legal year, at the Cathedral of St.Peter, Ake, Abeokuta, the state capital, said the new court will further ease the access to justice and as well strengthen the legal system in the state.

Abiodun explained that his administration, aside from providing the needed ambiance, will continue to facilitate and strengthen the judicial process to ensure equitable dispensation and efficient administration of justice in the state.

“I 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 Appeals.

“As we continue to respect court orders and judgements, we will also continue to support the judiciary in ensuring equitable dispensation and efficient administration of justice in Ogun state. In furtherance of this commitment, and apart from providing the needed ambience, we have continued to facilitate and strengthen judicial process in the 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”

The governor, while wishing all judicial officers a new legal year, maintained that it signifies a reaffirmation of dedication and asked all to think carefully and make sure that justice is never delayed, denied, or compromised.

Responding, the Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, stated that over 85 percent of appeal cases were held in Ibadan, saying the approval of the state division of the Court of Appeal was a dream come true.

Justice Dipeolu argued that this will benefit the state and help in the decongestion of the Ibadan division of the Court of Appeal.

She said, “When I became the Chief Judge one of the things that I prayed to God to happen before I leave office is the establishment of the Court of Appeal in Ogun State. We have over 85 percent of cases in Ibadan, our people and lawyers go to Ibadan for their cases and it has been my desire that we should have the Court of Appeal in Ogun State.

“When the governor came in, it was one of the things I suggested to him, that we should try and work as a government to make sure that we get approved and he promised that he would work at it because it’s a great achievement to have such. And finally have the approval, he’s willing and ready to start the construction of the court building.

“The benefit is tremendous, our people and lawyers will not have to travel to Ibadan anymore, Ibadan division will be decongested and this is of great benefit to us”.

Speaking earlier in his sermon, the Anglican Bishop of Ijebu-Southwest diocese, Rt Rev’d Babatunde Ogunbanwo, described the judiciary as the most powerful arm of government, saying they give life, they can make and also destroy.

Ogunbanwo taking his sermon from Micah 6:8, he advised them to always be humble, act in fairness and stand for what is right.