To enhance the welfare of judicial officers and strengthen the rule of law in the state, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has commissioned two major judicial projects.
Sawo-Olu said the projects are a testament to his administration’s dedication to judicial reform and infrastructure development. He made this known at the commissioning of the newly built Deputy Sheriff Warehouse in Majidun, Ikorodu, and also a 34-unit three-bedroom residential complex for Magistrates and legal officers in Ketu.
The governor said the housing facility is part of his administration’s broader plan to improve working and living conditions for members of the judiciary, describing the infrastructure as his administration’s commitment.
He said: “Just over a week ago, we commissioned new commercial courtrooms at Tapa on Lagos Island. Today’s handover is a continuation of our promise to deliver more judicial infrastructure.”
The Ketu housing project comprises 34 apartments, with 24 allocated to magistrates, while 10 of it was reserved for legal officers from the Ministry of Justice.
The governor said it is important for his administration to provide decent accommodation to support the effective delivery of justice. According to him, Lagos state has the largest number of judges and magistrates outside the federal judiciary.
“The least we can do is make their jobs more comfortable and their lives more dignified.
“Only when our officers are well taken care of can they dispense justice fearlessly and confidently,” he said. The governor said he respects the separation of powers between the executive and the judiciary, noting that certain issues, especially those concerning welfare, require collective action.
“No arm of government should be left behind when it comes to the tools and support needed to function independently,” he said. The governor, therefore, commended the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, the Ministry of Justice, contractors, and supervising agencies for delivering the projects with quality and efficiency.
However, the CJ appreciated the governor’s consistent support and said the facilities will be properly used and maintained. He said the project reflects progress and a shared vision of a just society. He, therefore, admonished citizens to take pride in the infrastructure.
Also, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), said the warehouse is a secure space for preserving court-ordered properties, which were previously exposed to theft and the elements.
According to him, it institutionalises an orderly system for managing assets, especially in cases where appeals delay the final disposal of properties. He added that the warehouse will also protect investors’ interests and serve as a deterrent against judicial abuse.
He noted that a new system allows parties to sell perishable items and deposit the proceeds in an interest-yielding account pending court decisions. Pedro further said the initiative would relieve magistrates of the burden of private rent and sudden evictions.
“No judicial officer should come home from court to find a quit notice. That’s simply unacceptable,” he declared, adding that the Executive Council has approved an amendment to the Tenancy Law aimed at resolving disputes within three to six months. He said the bill is now before the State House of Assembly.
“These projects reflect the governor’s unwavering commitment to justice and infrastructure development,” he said.
