By Divine Sam

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 improve their welfare and strengthen the administration of justice.

Abiodun made the announcement on Wednesday during the swearing-in of five newly appointed High Court judges at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The new judges are Luqman Oke, Adebimpe Obienu, Fatima Daudu, Rafiat Kadiri and Oludotun Osho. Their appointment brings the number of High Court judges in the state to 49.

The governor said the duplexes are situated at the President Muhammadu Buhari Estate along Kobape Road, Abeokuta, adding that the housing provision was part of his administration’s commitment to judicial welfare.

“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 said.

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 carrying out their responsibilities.

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 cautioned against political interference, personal relationships and material inducement, stressing that judicial decisions should not be influenced by public opinion or the status of individuals and political parties.

On judicial infrastructure, Abiodun disclosed that construction had commenced on the Abeokuta Division of the Court of Appeal complex. The project is being developed on a 2.6-hectare site beside the State Judiciary Complex at Kobape.

He also highlighted 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.

According to the governor, the appointment of the five judges was aimed at strengthening the state’s judicial capacity. He added that his administration had appointed more judges than previous administrations in Ogun State.

Abiodun commended the Chief Judge for facilitating the appointments, noting that the inclusion of younger judicial officers would encourage continuity, bring renewed energy and support the long-term development of the judiciary.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to cooperation among the arms of government and respect for the constitutional principle of separation of powers.

The governor also described the state judiciary’s electronic affidavit platform as an important development in improving access to justice and service delivery.

He said the platform had processed more than 31,000 affidavits and had approximately 4,500 users and 25 agents operating across the state.

The housing allocation is part of broader efforts by the Ogun State Government to improve judicial infrastructure and access to justice.

In February 2026, the state government approved a ₦6.1bn contract for the construction of the Abeokuta Division of the Court of Appeal complex on a 2.6-hectare site adjoining the State Judiciary Complex in the Kobape area of Abeokuta.

The new division is expected to ease pressure on the Ibadan Division of the Court of Appeal, which currently handles appeals from Ogun State.

At a special sitting in Abeokuta in May 2024, about 10 panels reportedly disposed of more than 150 appeals within three days.