Abeokuta, Ogun State – In a significant development for Nigeria’s judicial landscape, the Federal Government has granted formal approval for the establishment of a Court of Appeal division in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
The announcement was made by Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun on Sunday during a special church service held at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Ake, to mark the commencement of the 2025/2026 legal year.
Governor Abiodun hailed the approval as a “landmark achievement” for his administration, which had aggressively championed the initiative. He stated that the new appellate court would serve two critical purposes: bringing justice closer to the people of Ogun State and alleviating the heavy caseload currently burdening the Ibadan Division of the court.
“We recognize that justice is the foundation of every prosperous society,” the Governor said. “This establishment will ensure quick dispensation of justice and ease the heavy caseload on Ibadan.”
Addressing judicial officers at the event, Governor Abiodun admonished them to uphold the principles of integrity, impartiality, and courage. He urged a renewed dedication to a system where “the scales of justice remain balanced” and where every citizen is protected by the law.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the judiciary, promising to provide the necessary resources and prioritize the welfare of judicial officers assigned to the new division.
“As a responsive and responsible administration, we appreciate the place of the judiciary in entrenching the ideals and practices of democracy,” Abiodun said. “We will continue to prioritize the welfare and accommodations of judicial officers by making adequate housing arrangements.”
In a sermon, the Bishop of Ijebuland South/West Diocese, the Rt. Rev’d Babatunde Ogunbanwo, described the judiciary as the most powerful arm of government, emphasizing its profound impact on society. He charged judges to act justly and fairly towards all, regardless of social or economic status, and to temper justice with mercy.
The service, which featured a Bible reading from Colossians 3:8-17 by the State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Mosumola Dipeolu, served as a spiritual kickoff for the new legal year, focusing on themes of justice, integrity, and service.
