By danivert

Copyright thesun

…as state Judiciary commemorates 2025/26 Legal Year

From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta

The Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Monday, disclosed that the state has secured the Federal Government’s approval for the establishment of an Appeal Court in the state.

Governor Abiodun made this known while speaking at the Church Service to commemorate the 2025/2026 Legal Year of the state judiciary, held at the Cathedral of St Peter Church, Ake, Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital.

He observed that the establishment of the Appeal Court in Ogun will decongest the Ibadan Division of the Court, thereby, enhancing quick dispensation of justice at the appellate court.

He urged the management of the state judiciary 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 the 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 the judicial system.

“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 Appeals”.

In his sermon at the event, Rev. Babatunde Ogunbanwo, admonished members of the judiciary to always act justly in their careers.

Quoting from the book of Amos, Chapter Five Verse 24, he said, “The Bible says, Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. It is a true Flowing stream”

He pointed out that acting justly may be refusing to be swayed by power, words of the ordinary, protecting the rights of everyone, the poor, the voiceless and demanding our lives.

Ogunbanwo further emphasised that acting justly may mean standing for what is right, even when it is not popular, adding that leadership is not always loud, but always intentional.

While encouraging the officers of the Law and judges to be strong and courageous, he equally urged them to embrace discipline, but not forget mercy,

“Be so merciful, Love and mercy is about having a heart of compassion. Justice without mercy can become messy”, the cleric submitted.

The Chief Justice of Ogun State, Mrs Modupeola Dipeolu, commended the governor for his effort in making sure that the approval of the Appellate Court came into reality in Ogun, noting that “it is coming at the appropriate time.

She disclosed that the state judiciary has over 85% of cases before the Appeal Court in Ibadan, stressing that the establishment of the appellate court will put an end to people from Ogun and lawyers traveling to Ibadan for their cases.

She said, “Well, I thank God that this is coming to fruition. When I became the Chief Judge in 2018, one of the things that I prayed to God to happen before I would leave the office was the change of the Court of Appeal.

“In Ogun state, we have over 85% of cases in Ibadan. Our people and lawyers have to travel for their cases. And it had been my desire that we should have a Court of Appeal in Ogun State. And when the governor came in, it was one of the things I suggested to him that we should try and work on and make sure that we get approval. And he promised that he would work on it. The governor has been on it, seeking approval, and finally, we have the approval. God’s willing and we will be ready to start the construction of the court building.

“Already, some quarters in the Judges Quarters have been earmarked for Justices of the Court of Appeal and some of their support staff. The benefit is tremendous. People will not have to travel to Ibadan anymore. The Ibadan Division will be decongested. Our lawyers won’t have to travel to Ibadan. So it’s of great benefit to us that we have a division of the Court of Appeal in Ogun State”, she stated.

Speaking at the Special Mosque Service to commemorate the 2025 Legal Year, held at Egba Central Mosque, Kobiti, Abeokuta, Governor Dapo Abiodun, admonished the management of the state judiciary to rededicate itself to justice delivery and uphold the rule of law.

Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hazmat, the governor noted that the recent appointments and elevation of judges demonstrated his administration’s commitment to a virile judiciary, urging officers of the law and judges to continue to be the beacon of hope for the people.

In his sermon entitled ‘Sustaining Peaceful Coexistence in a Multi-Religious Society: The Model of Prophet Muhammad’, a Muslim cleric, Dr. Robiu Kusimo, called for religious tolerance and ethnic understanding to enhance a peaceful co-existence in the country.

“We must learn to tolerate one another. Also, there should be communication and collaboration among the people, while we must cultivate the habit of self restraint and embrace conflict resolution devoid of rancour.

Apart from religious tolerance, patience is also key to peaceful existence. There should be mutual respect and understanding in order to enhance public trust”, Kusimo stated.

He, however, urged the state judiciary to always ensure fairness, justice and equity in the discharge of its duties, while impunity must not be allowed to go unpunished.