…As Ogun CJ announces expansion of Multi-Door Courthouse To Seven Locations
The Ogun State Judiciary on Thursday commemorated its 50th anniversary with a call for renewed commitment to integrity, innovation and public confidence in the administration of justice.
At a well-attended public lecture and official launch of Ogun State Judiciary at 50 held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, the Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Mosunmola Arinola Dipeolu, said the judiciary must continue to serve as “the moral spine of governance and the steady guardian of societal order.”
The event also featured the unveiling of the 2026 Judiciary Staff Manual and the formal introduction of an electronic affidavit (e-affidavit) platform, in what observers described as a significant step toward deepening technology-driven justice delivery in the state.
Governor Dapo Abiodun represented by the Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-oyedele, and other top government functionaries, judicial officers, members of the Nigerian Bar Association, traditional rulers and senior advocates graced the ceremony marking five decades of judicial service since the creation of Ogun State on February 3, 1976.
Reflecting on the milestone, Justice Dipeolu described the golden jubilee as both a celebration and a moment of institutional introspection.
“Fifty years is not merely a passage of time; it is a measure of commitment, sacrifice, institutional growth and enduring faith in the rule of law,” she said, noting that the judiciary began operations from the very first day the state was created and has since evolved through phases of consolidation, expansion and reform.
She paid tribute to past Chief Judges — Justices E.B. Craig, O.O. Odunlami, I.B. Delano, O.O. Somolu, C.O. Jacobs and O.O. Olopade — as well as judges, magistrates and court personnel whose dedication, she said, sustained the institution through periods of limited infrastructure and manpower.
According to the Chief Judge, the commemorative book launched at the event documents the judiciary’s journey over five decades, preserving institutional memory and serving as a guide for future reforms.
Justice Dipeolu said the 2026 Staff Manual was introduced to strengthen professionalism, discipline and operational clarity across the judicial workforce.
“Institutions do not function effectively on goodwill alone; they require clear standards, structured processes and consistent accountability,” she stated.
In a move to enhance efficiency and accessibility, the Chief Judge formally introduced the e-affidavit platform to the legal community and the public.
She explained that the digital platform would enable electronic processing and authentication of affidavits, reduce delays and promote transparency.
She also unveiled the Ogun State Multi-Door Courthouse Practice Direction 2026, underscoring the judiciary’s commitment to alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
From its initial two centres in Abeokuta and Ijebu-Ode, she disclosed, the Multi-Door Courthouse has expanded to five operational centres statewide, with a sixth in Ilaro ready for commissioning and a seventh at Idi-Oke nearing completion.
Justice Dipeolu expressed appreciation to the executive arm for infrastructural and welfare support, and acknowledged the cooperation of the legislature and other justice sector stakeholders.
As part of the jubilee celebration, awards were presented to living pioneers, past Chief Judges and former Attorneys-General in recognition of their contributions to the growth of the judiciary.
Charging judicial officers and staff to remain steadfast, the Chief Judge emphasised that public confidence remains the judiciary’s greatest asset.
She added that the next half-century would require greater dedication, innovation and courage to ensure that justice in Ogun State remains accessible, credible and worthy of the trust of the people.
