The Chief Judge of Ogun, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, on Monday, inaugurated two court complexes and urged communities to support provision of judicial infrastructure to strengthen justice delivery.
Dipeolu spoke at the inauguration of the reconstructed Magistrates’ Court in Ago-Iwoye and the newly donated Grade I Customary Court in Oru-Ijebu.
She described the projects as practical examples of collaboration between communities and the judiciary in promoting the rule of law.
“If justice is the crowning glory, then the physical structures where justice is dispensed must reflect that internal dignity,” she said.
The CJ commended the Ago-Iwoye and Oru-Ijebu communities for investing in judicial infrastructure.
“We do not just see a building; we see a community’s resilient spirit and commitment to the rule of law,” she said.
Dipeolu urged judicial officers to uphold fairness, integrity and professionalism in dispensing justice.
“Buildings do not administer justice; people do,” she said.
The Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi, said the Oru-Ijebu court was designed to meet modern judicial needs.
Talabi said that the facility was approved as a Grade I Customary Court through the support of the Chief Judge and the President of the Customary Court of Appeal.
He said that the court would bring speedy dispute resolution closer to residents, stressing that its establishment would not increase criminal activities.
Talabi thanked Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun for supporting the project to improve access to justice.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prof. Taiwo Oshipitan, said the court would make justice more accessible to people in Oru-Ijebu and neighbouring communities.
He said residents would no longer travel to Ijebu-Igbo to pursue matters that could be determined locally.
Oshipitan urged judicial officers to dispense justice with the fear of God and promote reconciliation where appropriate.
The Oloru of Oru-Ijebu, Oba AbdulRasaq Olufemi Adebanjo, appreciated the judiciary, the state government and stakeholders for bringing justice closer to his people.
He pledged the community’s continued support for government initiatives and appealed for more developmental projects.
At the inauguration of the reconstructed Magistrates Court in Ago-Iwoye, the Ebumawe, Oba AbdulRasaq Adenugba, thanked the judiciary and government for reconstructing the magistrate court.
He appealed to the state government to establish a High Court in Ago-Iwoye.
The Chairman of Ijebu North Local Government, Mr Bolaji Odusanya, said the projects would improve access to justice and stimulate development across the area.
Also, in his goodwill message, the Mefu of Igan, Otunba Raman Odunsi, said the projects reflected the developmental vision of the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye.
He commended the judiciary and the state government for supporting the initiative, which he said began about four years ago.
