The Ogun state government has approved the award of a contract worth N6.1 billion for the establishment of a Court of Appeal complex in Abeokuta, marking a significant move to strengthen judicial infrastructure in the state.
The decision was reached during Friday, February 27, session of the Ogun State Executive Council in Abeokuta.
Speaking after the meeting, the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade, SAN, outlined the scope of the project.
According to him, the facility will be built on a 2.6-hectare site adjacent to the current state judiciary complex at Olipakala Village, through the Kobape axis of Abeokuta, within the judiciary cluster along the Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway.
The initiative is aimed at enhancing access to appellate justice for residents of Ogun State.
Findings by the ministry of justice revealed that most appeals handled by the Ibadan Division of the court of appeal originate from Ogun, underscoring the need for a division within the state.
For years, the lack of a local appellate division has imposed additional costs on litigants and lawyers, while also contributing to prolonged appeal processes.
In readiness for the division’s commencement, the state government had earlier constructed six duplexes on 4,359 square metres in Ibara Housing GRA to serve as official residences for justices.
Additionally, 20 bungalows at Prince Court Estate in Kobape have been reserved for support staff.
Approval for the Abeokuta Division to begin operations was granted in 2025 by the president of the court of appeal.
This came after a special sitting of the court held in Abeokuta in May 2024, where approximately ten panels heard and concluded more than 150 appeals within three days.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new court complex is scheduled for the coming days, with completion projected within a year.
“The Ogun State Ministry of Justice remains committed to justice sector reforms that democratise access to justice, strengthen institutions, and ensure efficient delivery of judicial services in the State,” he said
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