Ogun Gets Nod to Establish Court of Appeal Division

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

Governor Abiodun said the approval is a major milestone for the state’s judiciary, adding that his administration remains committed to providing the necessary infrastructure and support to ensure an efficient and fair judicial system.

He said, “I am pleased to announce that we have finally received formal approval for the establishment of the Ogun State Division of the Federal Court of Appeals. Beyond respecting court judgments, we will continue to support the judiciary in guaranteeing equitable dispensation of justice. This includes providing the required ambience and strengthening judicial processes in the state. Recent appointments of judges in the State Judiciary further underscore this commitment.”

Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, described the approval as a dream come true. She noted that over 85 percent of appeal cases from Ogun State are currently heard in Ibadan, imposing hardship on litigants and lawyers.

Justice Dipeolu said, “From the start of my tenure, I prayed that Ogun State would have its own Court of Appeal. With this approval, residents and legal practitioners will no longer have to travel to Ibadan, while the Ibadan division will be decongested. It is a tremendous achievement for the state.”

Earlier, the Anglican Bishop of Ijebu-Southwest Diocese, Rt. Rev’d Babatunde Ogunbanwo, described the judiciary as the most powerful arm of government, emphasizing the need for humility, fairness, and steadfastness in upholding justice.

The governor’s announcement is expected to accelerate the construction of the Court of Appeal building in Abeokuta and strengthen the administration of justice in Ogun State.