The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has announced that the state has received approval to establish its division of the Court of Appeal.

Governor Abiodun stated this on Monday at a special church service ushering in the 2025/2026 legal year, held at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital.

He disclosed that his administration will continue to provide the necessary environment and strengthen the judicial process to ensure equitable dispensation and the efficient administration of justice in the state.

His words, “I believe that 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.

“As we continue to respect court orders and judgments, we will also continue to support the judiciary in ensuring equitable dispensation and efficient administration of justice in Ogun State. In furtherance of this commitment, and apart from providing the needed ambience, we have continued to facilitate and strengthen the judicial process in the state.

“This is underscored by the continuous and recent appointment of new judges in the State Judiciary, ensuring that the good people of Ogun state can continue to enjoy the dividends of justice as part of the effectiveness of this administration.”

The governor, while wishing all judicial officers a prosperous new legal year, emphasised that it signifies a reaffirmation of dedication and urged everyone to think carefully, ensuring that justice is never delayed, denied, or compromised.

In response, the Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, stated that over 85 per cent of appeal cases were handled in Ibadan, describing the approval of the state division of the Court of Appeal as a dream come true.

Justice Dipeolu argued that this development will benefit the state and aid in decongesting the Ibadan division of the Court of Appeal.

She said, “When I became the Chief Judge, one of the things that I prayed to God to happen before I leave office is the establishment of the Court of Appeal in Ogun State. We have over 85 per cent of cases in Ibadan, and our people and lawyers travel to Ibadan for their cases. It has been my desire that we should have the Court of Appeal in Ogun State.

“When the governor came in, it was one of the things I suggested to him, that we should try and work as a government to make sure that we get approved, and he promised that he would work at it because it’s a great achievement to have such. And finally, we have the approval and he’s willing and ready to start the construction of the court building.

“The benefit is tremendous, our people and lawyers will not have to travel to Ibadan anymore, Ibadan division will be decongested, and this is of great benefit to us.”

In his sermon, the Anglican Bishop of Ijebu-Southwest diocese, Rt Rev Babatunde Ogunbanwo, described the judiciary as the most powerful arm of government,

Ogunbanwo drew his sermon from Micah 6:8. He advised them to always be humble, act fairly, and stand for what is right.