ABEOKUTA, NIGERIA — Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has announced the allocation of 49 newly constructed duplexes to judges of the State High Court as part of efforts to improve judicial welfare, strengthen institutional independence and enhance the administration of justice.
The governor made the announcement on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, during the swearing-in ceremony of five newly appointed High Court judges at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
The newly sworn-in judges are Luqman Oke, Adebimpe Obienu, Fatima Daudu, Rafiat Kadiri and Oludotun Osho. Their appointments bring the total number of High Court judges in Ogun State to 49.
Abiodun disclosed that the 49 duplexes are located at the President Muhammadu Buhari Estate along Kobape Road, Abeokuta. He said the housing provision was part of his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers.
According to the governor, providing decent accommodation for judges is intended to create a more supportive environment for the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.
He maintained that his administration would continue to support the judiciary as it approaches the conclusion of its tenure, stressing that the welfare of judicial officers remains an important component of an effective justice system.
Abiodun described the judiciary as the last hope of the common man and urged the newly appointed judges to demonstrate integrity, impartiality and professionalism in their judicial responsibilities.
He charged them to dispense justice without fear or favour, carefully examine evidence, apply the law faithfully and ensure that their courts remain accessible to citizens seeking justice.
The governor also warned against political interference, personal relationships and material inducement, insisting that judicial decisions must not be influenced by the status of individuals, political parties or public opinion.
He said judges must remain committed to protecting citizens’ rights and upholding the rule of law, regardless of the interests involved in cases before them.
Beyond the housing allocation, Abiodun highlighted other investments by his administration in judicial infrastructure and personnel welfare.
He disclosed that construction had commenced on the Abeokuta Division of the Court of Appeal complex on a 2.6-hectare site adjoining the State Judiciary Complex at Kobape.
The project is expected to strengthen appellate judicial infrastructure in Ogun State and improve access to higher judicial services for residents who would otherwise have to rely on facilities outside the state.
The governor also listed the completion of six duplexes at Ibara Housing Government Reserved Area in Abeokuta for judicial officers, as well as 20 bungalows at Prince Court Estate, Kobape, for supporting personnel.
These projects, he said, form part of broader interventions aimed at improving the working environment of the state’s judiciary.
Abiodun further said his administration had appointed more High Court judges than previous administrations in the state, describing the latest appointments as part of efforts to strengthen judicial capacity and promote institutional continuity.
He commended the Chief Judge of Ogun State for facilitating the appointments and expressed optimism that the entry of younger judicial officers would bring renewed energy and support the long-term development of the judiciary.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to cooperation among the three arms of government while respecting the constitutional principle of separation of powers.
Another development highlighted during the ceremony was the state judiciary’s electronic affidavit platform, which the governor described as an important step towards improving access to justice and modernising judicial services.
According to Abiodun, the digital platform has facilitated the processing of more than 31,000 affidavits and currently serves approximately 4,500 users through 25 agents operating across the state.
The platform is intended to make affidavit processing more accessible and improve service delivery through digital technology.
The allocation of the 49 duplexes comes amid wider efforts by the Ogun State Government to strengthen judicial institutions through housing, infrastructure development, recruitment and technology-driven reforms.
However, the governor’s call for judicial independence also places responsibility on the newly appointed judges and the wider judiciary to ensure that improved welfare translates into stronger commitment to impartial justice.
For residents, the effectiveness of these interventions will ultimately be measured not only by improved facilities for judicial officers but also by timely hearings, accessible courts, fair judgments and greater public confidence in the justice system.
