ABEOKUTA – In a decisive move to overhaul the state’s judicial infrastructure and eliminate the logistical hurdles faced by litigants, the Ogun State Government has greenlit the construction of a permanent complex for the Abeokuta Division of the Court of Appeal.
The project, valued at ₦6,118,098,154.70, was approved during the State Executive Council meeting held on Thursday. The complex will be situated on a 2.6-hectare site at Olipakala Village, Kobape, strategically positioned within the burgeoning Judiciary Cluster along the Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway.
Ending the “Ibadan Trek”
For decades, legal practitioners and litigants from Ogun State have been forced to travel to Ibadan, Oyo State, to file and argue appellate cases. This geographical gap has long been cited as a primary cause of high legal costs and significant delays in the delivery of justice.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), emphasized that a review by his ministry confirmed a “substantial number” of appeals handled in Ibadan actually originate from Ogun.
”The establishment of a functional division in Abeokuta is not just about a building; it is about deepening access to justice and reducing the financial strain on our people,” Ogungbade stated.
From Special Sitting to Permanent Gateway
The momentum for this project peaked in May 2024, when a historic special sitting of the appellate court was held in Abeokuta. During that three-day window, ten panels convened to dispose of over 150 appeals, proving the high demand for a localized division.
Following this successful pilot, the President of the Court of Appeal granted formal approval in 2025 for the Abeokuta Division to commence full operations.
Infrastructure and Welfare
Beyond the main courtroom complex, the Dapo Abiodun-led administration has already invested in the welfare of judicial officers. Proactive measures include:
- Official Residences: Six luxury duplexes at Ibara Housing GRA for the Justices.
- Staff Housing: Twenty bungalows at Prince Court Estate, Kobape, designated for support staff.
- Timeline: A groundbreaking ceremony is expected within days, with a strict 12-month completion deadline.
Ogungbade reiterated that this investment is a cornerstone of the state’s broader justice sector reforms, aimed at democratizing legal services and ensuring that Ogun State remains a leader in judicial efficiency
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