The Ogun State Government has announced plans to begin the construction of the long-awaited Court of Appeal complex in Abeokuta, the state capital. The project aims to bring justice delivery closer to the people and reduce the heavy workload currently handled by the Ibadan Division of the Court of Appeal.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, while speaking through the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), confirmed that the construction phase would commence soon after all preliminary works, including site preparation and design approvals, have been completed.

According to him, the project reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening the judiciary and improving access to justice for residents of Ogun and neighboring states. He added that the new complex would meet modern standards, featuring adequate courtrooms, chambers, offices, and facilities for judges and staff.

The commissioner also revealed that the state had been working closely with the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, to ensure a smooth transition once construction is completed.

“The governor is passionate about ensuring that Abeokuta has its own functional Court of Appeal. We are almost at the final stage before the full construction begins,” Ogungbade said.

Legal practitioners in Ogun State have welcomed the development, saying it will ease the burden of travel for litigants, lawyers, and witnesses who currently go to Ibadan for appellate cases.

The Court of Appeal in Abeokuta is expected to boost judicial efficiency, foster faster case resolution, and contribute to the overall development of the justice system in Nigeria.