Ogun judiciary committed to speedy justice delivery, says CJ Dipeolu

2026-02-27 - 21:47

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta The Chief Judge of Ogun State, Hon. Justice Mosunmola Arinola Dipeolu, has reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to speedy dispensation of justice, declaring that ongoing technological reforms would fast-track court processes and enhance efficiency across the state. Justice Dipeolu spoke during the golden jubilee celebration of the Ogun State Judiciary, marking 50 years of its establishment, held at the June 12 Cultural Centre. Describing the judiciary’s 50-year journey as “beautiful,” the Chief Judge attributed its successes to divine grace. “The journey so far has been beautiful to the glory of God. We thank God that we are all alive to witness this 50th anniversary celebration and in good health to partake in it. We give all the glory to God,” she said. On expectations from the bench, Justice Dipeolu assured residents that the judiciary was prioritising faster justice delivery through innovation. “We are focusing on speedy dispensation of justice. With the introduction of electronic filing, electronic affidavits and virtual sittings, we are confident that justice delivery will be faster and more efficient,” she stated. As political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Chief Judge cautioned politicians against attempting to influence judicial officers, particularly in election-related disputes. “My message to politicians is that they should stay off judges. They should not try to influence judges. Without external influence, judges will not approach anyone to offer assistance. It is politicians who often seek such influence,” she warned. She equally charged her colleagues on the bench to remain steadfast in protecting the sanctity of the judiciary. “To my brother judges, they should be careful and protect their integrity,” she admonished. In his remarks, Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, urged judges, young lawyers and aspiring judicial officers to resist partisan pressures as the state approaches another election cycle. Speaking at the anniversary lecture themed, “Fifty Years of Justice, Integrity and Public Trust: Building the Future of the Ogun State Judiciary,” the governor stressed that democracy thrives on an impartial judiciary. “As we approach another election cycle, the responsibility of the judiciary becomes even more pronounced. Elections test democratic institutions, and the courts often resolve political disputes. I urge the judiciary of Ogun State to remain impartial and courageous,” he said. “Do not allow yourselves to be drawn into partisan interests. The credibility of our democracy depends on your neutrality.” Abiodun reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening judicial independence. “The judiciary is not subordinate to the executive or legislature. It stands parallel with the sacred duty to interpret the law and protect the constitution. That is why we remain deliberate in supporting judicial independence, institutional reform, infrastructure and capacity development,” he added. He assured that his government would continue to enhance infrastructural development, improve staff welfare and uphold financial autonomy for the judiciary in line with constitutional provisions. Delivering the keynote address, the Proprietor of Crescent University, Prince Moruf Ajibola, SAN, lamented the declining public confidence in the Nigerian judiciary, attributing it to allegations of corruption and flaws in judicial appointments. He warned that once the process of appointing judges is compromised, integrity is inevitably sacrificed. “For judicial appointments, who you know, state of origin, religion and cultural blocs are the leading unspoken criteria above impartiality posture. Integrity and knowledge have been relegated to the background,” he said. Ajibola, however, commended the Ogun State Judiciary, describing it as “one of the few state judiciaries one can point to with little, if any notable integrity challenges in Nigeria.” Using vivid imagery, he remarked: “The judges in the courtroom sit in an elevated position with their polished gavels, gowns and white wigs — symbols inherited from our colonial masters to signify integrity, authority and uniqueness. Without integrity, all these symbols merely become theatrical; the gavel becomes a prop, the courtroom a Nollywood stage, and the wigs and gowns comical costumes.” He stressed that both the Bar and the Bench share responsibility for restoring public trust. “It is trite that a rotten egg has no hiding place in the crate. While it is good to protect our brothers, where such protection of one will lead to the downfall of the whole, it is high time such was eased out. Who will bell the cat?” he queried. The event was chaired by the pioneer Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Ogun State, Chief Akinwande Delano, SAN, and attracted jurists, senior lawyers and stakeholders from across the state. The golden jubilee celebration underscored the judiciary’s enduring commitment to justice, integrity and public trust as it charts a path for the next half-century.