Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has allocated 49 newly constructed duplexes to judges of the state High Court as part of efforts to improve their welfare and working conditions.
Abiodun announced the allocation on Wednesday during the swearing-in ceremony of five newly appointed High Court judges at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
The newly sworn-in judges are Luqman Oke, Adebimpe Obienu, Fatima Daudu, Rafiat Kadiri and Oludotun Osho, bringing the total number of High Court judges in the state to 49.
The governor said the duplexes are located at the President Muhammadu Buhari Estate along Kobape Road, Abeokuta, and were provided to strengthen judicial welfare and create a conducive environment for the administration of justice.
He said his administration would continue to support the judiciary and improve the welfare of judicial officers within its constitutional responsibilities.
Abiodun described the judiciary as the last hope of the common man and urged the newly appointed judges to uphold integrity, impartiality and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
He charged them to dispense justice without fear or favour, carefully evaluate evidence, apply the law faithfully and ensure that their courts remained accessible to all citizens.
The governor also warned against political interference, personal relationships and material inducements, stressing that judicial decisions must not be influenced by public opinion or the status of individuals and political parties.
More Judicial Infrastructure Planned
Abiodun 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.
He said the project was part of his administration’s efforts to strengthen judicial infrastructure and improve access to justice in the state.
The governor also listed the completion of six duplexes at Ibara Housing GRA, Abeokuta, for judicial officers and 20 bungalows at Prince Court Estate, Kobape, for supporting personnel among the government’s interventions in the judiciary.
On digital service delivery, Abiodun highlighted the state judiciary’s electronic affidavit platform, which he said had processed more than 31,000 affidavits, with approximately 4,500 users and 25 agents operating across the state.
He described the platform as an important step towards improving access to judicial services and reducing delays in obtaining affidavits.
The governor further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to respecting the constitutional principle of separation of powers and promoting cooperation among the three arms of government.
The housing allocation and appointment of additional judges form part of the state government’s stated efforts to strengthen the judiciary and improve the conditions under which judicial officers perform their duties.
