Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has revealed the distribution of 49 newly constructed duplexes to judges of the State High Court, a move aimed at enhancing judicial welfare and bolstering the effective administration of justice.
The governor made the announcement on Wednesday during the swearing-in ceremony of five newly appointed High Court judges at the Executive Chambers, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
The new judges are Luqman Oke, Adebimpe Obienu, Fatima Daudu, Rafiat Kadiri and Oludotun Osho, bringing the total number of judges in the state to 49.
Abiodun disclosed that the 49 duplexes, located at the President Muhammadu Buhari Estate along Kobape Road, Abeokuta, were provided to improve the welfare of judicial officers and create a conducive environment for the effective administration of justice.
He assured the judiciary that his administration would sustain its support for judicial officers, particularly as it approaches the end of its tenure.
The governor charged the newly sworn-in judges to uphold the principles of integrity, impartiality and professionalism, stressing the need to dispense justice without fear or favour.
He cautioned them against political interference, personal relationships and material inducements, urging them to ensure that their decisions were guided strictly by the law and evidence before their courts.
Abiodun also disclosed that construction had commenced on the Abeokuta Division of the Court of Appeal complex on a 2.6-hectare site adjoining the State Judiciary Complex at Kobape.
Other judicial welfare and infrastructure projects highlighted by the governor include six completed duplexes at Ibara Housing GRA, Abeokuta, for judicial officers, and 20 bungalows at Prince Court Estate, Kobape, for supporting personnel.
He said the appointment of the five judges was part of his administration’s efforts to strengthen the state’s judicial capacity, noting that more judges had been appointed under his leadership than during previous administrations.
The governor commended the Chief Judge for facilitating the appointments, expressing confidence that the emergence of younger judicial officers would promote continuity, renewed energy and long-term institutional development.
He further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to respecting the constitutional principle of separation of powers and fostering cooperation among the three arms of government.
Abiodun also highlighted the state judiciary’s electronic affidavit platform as a major innovation in improving access to justice and service delivery.
According to him, the platform has facilitated the processing of more than 31,000 affidavits, with approximately 4,500 users and 25 agents operating across the state.
What You Should Know
Governor Dapo Abiodun has provided 49 newly built duplexes at the President Muhammadu Buhari Estate in Abeokuta to judges of the State High Court. This initiative is designed to improve the living and working conditions of judicial officers in the state, alongside other infrastructure projects like the upcoming Court of Appeal complex.
- Positive Impact: Better housing and modern facilities provide comfort and motivation for judicial officers, potentially leading to a more efficient and independent judiciary.
- Potential Concerns: While the welfare packages improve morale, the public will expect a corresponding increase in the speedy dispensation of justice and strict accountability from the judiciary.
