Ogun Chief Judge opens two new courtrooms

The Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, on Monday opened two new court facilities in Ijebu North Local Government Area. These are a rebuilt Magistrates’ Court Complex in Ago-Iwoye and a new Customary Court in Oru-Ijebu.

The two courtrooms were set up through initiatives led by the community and traditional rulers.

This happened just a week after Dipeolu launched a new Multi-Door Courthouse at Idi-Oke/Igbesa.

The courthouse was given to the community by the Olu of Idi-Oke Kingdom, Oba Saheed Ifalohun Odusanya, to mark his 10th year on the throne.

At Ago-Iwoye, Dipeolu opened the rebuilt Magistrates’ Court Complex. This court had fallen into a bad state due to age and weather. The community decided to rebuild it instead of waiting for help from the state.

“We do not just see a building; we see an architectural manifestation of a community’s resilient spirit and commitment to the rule of law,” she said.

She praised the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Abdul-Rasaq Adenugba, for getting his people involved in the project. She called it proof that “the traditional institution remains a bedrock of societal development.”

Dipeolu quoted American anthropologist Margaret Mead, saying, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

The Chief Judge also mentioned Ago-Iwoye’s important role in the state judiciary. As the location of Olabisi Onabanjo University, the town has regularly provided skilled workers for the judiciary.

“Ago-Iwoye does not just host a court; Ago-Iwoye breathes life into the legal system of our state,” she said.

While opening the new Customary Court built by the Oru-Ijebu community, Dipeolu thanked the Oloru of Oru-Ijebu, Oba AbdulRasaq Adebanjo, and others like Professor Taiwo Oshipitan and Justice I. A. Odugbesan for their help with the project.

She pointed out that Customary Courts are very close to ordinary Nigerians. They are often the first place people go for justice.

“They are often the courts closest to the people. They handle matters that touch directly on the daily lives of our citizens, including family disputes, inheritance matters, land issues and questions arising from customary law and traditions,” she said.

Dipeolu quoted American jurist Learned Hand, saying, “Liberty lies in the hearts of men and women; when it dies there, no constitution, no law, no court can save it.”

She emphasized that the value of a courthouse is not in its building but in the people who work there.

“Buildings do not administer justice; people do. The success of this court will depend on the integrity, diligence, fairness and professionalism of those entrusted with its operation,” she said in Oru-Ijebu. She repeated this message at Ago-Iwoye.

Citing the late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, she urged court workers to pursue “justice with a human face.” She encouraged people to keep resolving their disputes through lawful means.

Dipeolu expressed hope that these two new court openings would motivate other communities in Ogun State to support building judicial facilities in their areas.