The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has advocated the establishment of an Abeokuta Division of the Federal Court of Appeal, saying the move would make appellate justice more accessible to residents of Ogun and neighbouring communities.
Abiodun stated this at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta, at a thanksgiving service to mark the commencement of the 2026/2027 legal year of the Ogun State Judiciary, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving access to justice in the state.
He revealed that a significant number of appeals handled by the Ibadan Division of the Court of Appeal originate from Ogun State, making the establishment of an appellate division in Abeokuta both desirable and necessary as it would strengthen Ogun’s judicial infrastructure.
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Abiodun said locating the court in the state capital would bring justice closer to the people, reduce the burden of travelling to Ibadan for legal practitioners and litigants who may find the financial and logistical demands of pursuing appeals outside the state difficult to bear.
He noted that for citizens, the courts remain a critical avenue for resolving disputes without resorting to violence or self-help.
The governor urged the state judiciary to uphold justice, fairness, transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.
He said: “When justice is reflected, citizens have confidence in the state. Where the law is faithfully observed, society enjoys stability. When justice is accessible, grievances are channelled away from violence and self-help towards peaceful and lawful resolution.”
The Dean of the Cathedral Church of St Peter, Ake, Abeokuta, Venerable Samuel Omidiji, urged judicial officers to allow truth, justice, and divine wisdom to guide their decisions.
Omidiji reminded the judges that their responsibilities came with significant moral obligations, saying they should remain conscious that their decisions could profoundly affect the lives and livelihoods of individuals and families.
The clergy urged the legal practitioners to walk humbly with God and avoid unnecessary delays in the administration of justice, including undue reliance on technicalities, where such practices could frustrate timely resolution of cases.
He prayed for wisdom, courage and discernment for judicial officers throughout the new legal year and encouraged them to reflect on the achievements and challenges of the previous year, saying such reflection would help the judiciary strengthen its commitment to delivering justice to all, irrespective of social or economic status.
The Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, read the only lesson from Luke 18:1-8, a biblical passage that emphasises persistence in seeking justice.
The commencement of a new legal year provides an opportunity for the judiciary, legal practitioners and other stakeholders in the justice system to renew their commitment to the principles of justice, fairness and the rule of law, which remain fundamental to a stable, democratic society.
The thanksgiving service brought together members of the judiciary, legal practitioners, government officials, religious leaders and other stakeholders to mark the beginning of another year of judicial service in Ogun State.
