Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has announced that the state has received formal approval to establish its own division of the Federal Court of Appeal. The milestone was disclosed on Monday during a special church service marking the start of the 2025/2026 legal year at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta.

 

Governor Abiodun described the development as a significant step toward strengthening justice delivery in the state. He pledged that his administration would continue to create the right environment and provide the necessary support to ensure the equitable dispensation and efficient administration of justice.

 

“This very auspicious occasion presents me with the pleasure and opportunity to proudly announce that we have finally received the formal approval of the establishment of the Ogun State Division of the Federal Court of Appeals,” the governor declared.

 

 

 

He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to respecting court orders and judgments, adding that the continuous appointment of new judges underscores his administration’s dedication to a more effective judicial process. Abiodun urged judicial officers to uphold their oath by ensuring that justice is never delayed, denied, or compromised.

 

Responding to the announcement, the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, expressed delight, describing the approval as the fulfillment of a long-held aspiration. She revealed that over 85 percent of Ogun’s appeal cases are currently heard at the Ibadan division of the Court of Appeal—a situation that has caused inconvenience for litigants and legal practitioners.

 

“When I became the Chief Judge one of the things I prayed to God to happen before I leave office is the establishment of the Court of Appeal in Ogun State,” Justice Dipeolu said. “Our people and lawyers go to Ibadan for their cases and it has been my desire that we should have the Court of Appeal in Ogun State. The benefit is tremendous; our people and lawyers will not have to travel to Ibadan anymore, and the Ibadan division will be decongested.”

 

 

 

Justice Dipeolu credited Governor Abiodun’s support for making the project a reality and revealed that the governor is ready to commence construction of the court building.

 

Earlier in his sermon, the Anglican Bishop of Ijebu-Southwest Diocese, Rt. Rev’d Babatunde Ogunbanwo, emphasized the pivotal role of the judiciary, describing it as the most powerful arm of government capable of “giving life or destroying it.” Drawing from Micah 6:8, he urged judicial officers to remain humble, act fairly, and stand firmly for justice.

 

The approval of a Court of Appeal division in Ogun State is expected to ease the burden on the Ibadan division and bring significant relief to litigants, lawyers, and residents, while further strengthening the state’s judicial system.