The Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, on Monday unveiled two new judicial facilities in Ijebu North Local Government Area, a reconstructed Magistrates’ Court Complex in Ago-Iwoye and a newly built Customary Court in Oru-Ijebu.
The two courtrooms were delivered through community and traditional ruler-led initiatives.
This came barely a week Dipeolu inaugurated a purpose-built Multi-Door Courthouse at Idi-Oke/Igbesa.
The courthouse was donated by the Olu of Idi-Oke Kingdom, Oba Saheed Ifalohun Odusanya, to mark his 10th coronation anniversary..
At Ago-Iwoye, Dipeolu unveiled the reconstructed Magistrates’ Court Complex, which had fallen into a deplorable state due to age and weather before the community took it upon itself to rebuild the facility rather than wait for state intervention.
“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 commended the leadership of the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Abdul-Rasaq Adenugba, for mobilising his subjects behind the project, describing it as proof that “the traditional institution remains a bedrock of societal development.”
Quoting American anthropologist Margaret Mead, she said, “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 highlighted Ago-Iwoye’s broader contribution to the state judiciary as host community to Olabisi Onabanjo University, noting that the town has consistently supplied the judiciary with skilled personnel at both management and magisterial levels.
“Ago-Iwoye does not just host a court; Ago-Iwoye breathes life into the legal system of our state,” he said.
Inaugurating a newly built Customary Court donated to the judiciary by the Oru-Ijebu community, Dipeolu paid tribute to the Oloru of Oru-Ijebu, Oba AbdulRasaq Adebanjo, and other stakeholders including Professor Taiwo Oshipitan, and Justice I. A. Odugbesan for their roles in the project.
She stressed the unique closeness of Customary Courts to ordinary citizens, describing them as the first point of contact many Nigerians have with the justice system.
“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.
Quoting American jurist Learned Hand, she said, “Liberty lies in the hearts of men and women; when it dies there, no constitution, no law, no court can save it.”
The Chief Judge stressed that the value of a courthouse lies not in its structure but in the conduct of those who serve within it.
“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,” he said at Oru-Ijebu, echoing a similar charge delivered at Ago-Iwoye.
Citing the late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, she urged court personnel to pursue “justice with a human face”, calling on litigants and the public to continue resolving disputes through lawful means.
Dipeolu expressed hope that the twin commissionings would inspire other communities across Ogun State to support the development of judicial infrastructure within their own domains.
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