A traditional ruler in Ogun State, the Olu of Idi-Okeke Kingdom, Oba Saheed Odusanya, has donated a courtroom in an Ogun State community to aid an accessible, timely and facilitate judicial reforms in the state.
The traditional ruler made the provision in marking his 10th coronation anniversary, expressing that the initiative centred on his desire to enhance affordable and responsiveness to the legal needs of residents in the state, which has been described as a rare commitment to building institutions in the area.
At the commissioning of the facility in Oke-Igbesa on Wednesday, the Chief Judge, Mosunmola Dipeolu, lauded the initiative, saying that the monarch’s history of supporting the judiciary, dates back to the Idi-Oke/Igbesa Magistrates’ Court which was commissioned through the king’s generosity in June 2020, followed by High Court I and High Court II in 2021 and 2023 respectively.
“This achievement speaks volumes about the foresight, commitment and public spirit of Kabiyesi,” Dipeolu said, and continued, “There are kings who build palaces, monuments and markets. But there are very few kings who choose to build institutions of justice. Such kings understand that peace is the foundation upon which every other development rests.
“This Tenth Coronation Anniversary will be remembered for strengthening access to justice. Long after the ceremonies of today have passed, this courthouse will continue to serve the people of Ogun State as a visible reminder of His Royal Majesty’s commitment to justice, and community development.”
The CJ explained that the philosophy behind the multi-door courthouse system, noting that not every dispute requires full litigation, and also linked the facility’s location to the rapid economic growth of the Igbesa-Agbara-Idi-Oke corridor, describing it as one of the fastest-growing industrial and commercial axes in Nigeria.
“Where commerce thrives, disputes inevitably arise. The presence of this facility therefore ensures that businesses, investors, residents and institutions within this axis have access to a modern and efficient dispute resolution mechanism. This is not merely an investment in justice. It is an investment in economic development and community peace,” the legal practitioner added.
“Our vision is simple: every citizen of Ogun State should have access to efficient, affordable and effective dispute resolution services regardless of location,”Dipeolu said.
“Buildings alone do not dispense justice. People do. The true value of this courthouse will depend on the quality of service rendered within its walls,” he said.