Abiodun allocates 49 duplexes to Ogun judges

File: Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has announced the allocation of 49 newly constructed duplexes to judges of the state High Court as part of efforts to strengthen judicial welfare and improve their conditions of service.

The governor made the announcement on Wednesday during the swearing-in ceremony of five new High Court judges held at the Executive Chambers, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The newly appointed 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 said, “The 49 duplexes, located at the President Muhammadu Buhari Estate along Kobape Road, Abeokuta, have been provided in fulfilment of our administration’s commitment to judicial welfare and the creation of an enabling environment for the effective administration of justice.

“As our administration approaches the conclusion of its tenure, we will continue to motivate and support the judiciary and provide for the welfare and well-being of our judges, who have signed up for this service to humanity, within our constitutional responsibilities.”

He described the judiciary as the last hope of the common man and urged the newly sworn-in judges to uphold the highest standards of integrity, impartiality and professionalism in the discharge of their responsibilities.

“The judiciary remains the last hope of the common man and, therefore, as newly sworn-in judges, you are to uphold the highest standards of integrity, impartiality and professionalism in the discharge of your responsibilities,” he said.

The governor charged the judges to dispense justice without fear or favour, carefully evaluate evidence, apply the law faithfully and ensure that their courts remained accessible institutions where the rights of every citizen were protected.

• Crawford introduces six health courses, graduates 630
• Ogun residents groan over two-month blackout
• Student’s death sparks outrage at Ogun varsity

He also cautioned them against political interference, personal relationships and material inducement, stressing that neither public opinion nor the prominence of any individual or political party should influence judicial decisions.

On judicial infrastructure, 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 listed other interventions to include the completion of six duplexes at Ibara Housing GRA, Abeokuta, for judicial officers, as well as 20 bungalows at Prince Court Estate, Kobape, for supporting personnel.

The governor said the appointment of the five judges reflected his administration’s determination to strengthen the state’s judicial capacity, adding that more judges had been appointed under his administration than during previous administrations in the state.

He particularly commended the Chief Judge for facilitating the appointments, expressing optimism that the emergence of a younger generation of judicial officers would provide continuity, renewed energy and long-term institutional development for the judiciary.

Abiodun also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to institutional cooperation and respect for the constitutional principle of separation of powers.

He further highlighted the state judiciary’s adoption of an electronic affidavit platform as a significant step towards improving access to justice and service delivery.

According to him, the digital platform has facilitated the processing of more than 31,000 affidavits, with approximately 4,500 users and 25 agents operating across the state.