2027: Protect Your Integrity, Sanctity Of Judiciary, Ogun CJ Urges Nigerian Judges

ABEOKUTA – The Chief Judge of Ogun State, Hon. Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu has called on Nigerian Judges to refrain from corrupt practices that may jeopardize the trust of the masses in the justice system of Nigeria and their integrity.

Justice Dipeolu who spoke on Thursday in Abeokuta at the public lecture commemorating the 50years anniversary of the Judiciary system in Ogun State, enjoined politicians to desist from influencing court decisions on electoral matters.

Delivering her welcome address, Justice Dipeolu explained that, justice must stand as the moral spine of governance and the steady guardian of societal order.

She said in the last 50years establishment of Ogun State, the judiciary has remained steadfast in ensuring that liberty, rights, and responsibilities are anchored in law and protected through fair and transparent processes.

She posited that, from establishment, the Ogun State judiciary has grown steadily, shaped by the discipline, integrity, and courage of its pioneers despite limited infrastructure, and constrained manpower.

Justice Dipeolu lauded her predecessors for guiding the institution through phrases of foundation, consolidation, expansion, modernisation and contemporary reforms.

Reflecting on the formal introduction of the 2026 staff manual, Justice Dipeolu maintained that, it was a demonstration of collective commitment to excellence service delivery and to maintain a judiciary that is not only independent, but also efficient and responsive.

She explained that, the current judicial administration in the state has evolved rapidly with technological change, increasing caseloads, and rising public expectations through digital transformation such as electronic filing, virtual sitting, electronic affidavit, digital archive of court documents among others.

She enumerated her achievements to include expanded judicial divisions and magistrate districts to improve access to justice, strengthened specialized courts, and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms; and continuous investment in capacity development for judicial personnel.

“I want to assure the masses of a speedy dispensation of justice that is where we are now. We want to introduce digital, electronic filing, electronic affidavit, virtual sitting, you will get speedy dispensation of justice.

“My message to politicians is that they should stay off judges, they should not try to influence judges. Judges cannot run after politicians for money, it is politicians going about looking for assistance. And to my colleagues judges, they should be careful and protect their integrity, and sanctity of the judiciary.

“In recent years, the Ogun State judiciary has pursued deliberate institutional transformation. We have expanded judicial divisions, and magisterial districts to improve access to justice, strengthened specialised courts and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, introduced digital innovations such as electronic filing and virtual proceedings and invested in continuous capacity development for Judiciary personnel.

“It is in furtherance of this commitment to a modern and technology-driven justice system that the Ogun State Judiciary today formally introduces the e-affidavit platform to the digital community and the general public. This innovation enables the electronic processing and authentication of affidavits, thereby simplifying procedures, reducing delays, and enhancing transparency in service delivery.”

Meanwhile, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has charged the judiciary to remain impartial and courageous in resolving elections matters as 2027 approaches.

The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele maintained that the judiciary should not allow itself to be drawn into partisan politics, stressing that the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy depends on judiciary neutrality.

“As we approach another election cycle, the responsibility of the judiciary becomes even more pronounced. Elections test democratic institutions, and the courts often resolve political disputes. I urge the judiciary of Ogun State to remain impartial and courageous. Do not allow yourselves to be drawn into partisan interests. The credibility of our democracy depends on your neutrality.

“The Executive remains committed to maintaining law and order. Investors, development partners and citizens draw confidence from a State where justice works. A strong judiciary therefore contributes directly to economic growth and social stability. Your work therefore shapes not only legal outcomes, but the future of our State. Together, we must ensure that Ogun State remains peaceful and governed by the rule of law.

“An effective judiciary is central to democracy. Without justice, there can be no order. Without integrity, there can be no credibility. Without public trust, there can be no legitimacy. For fifty years, the Ogun State Judiciary has upheld fairness, protected rights, and ensured accountability.

“As an Administration, we understand that strong institutions sustain democracy. The judiciary is not subordinate to the Executive or Legislature. It stands parallel, with the sacred duty to interpret the law and protect the Constitution. That is why we remain deliberate in supporting judicial independence, institutional reform, infrastructure, and capacity development. We in Ogun State respect that balance and remain committed to preserving it.

“Over the last 50 years, successive governments have strengthened judicial infrastructure through the construction and renovation of courtrooms across the State. Our administration has improved facilities, enhanced security within court premises, and introduced technological tools to support efficient case management. Justice must be dispensed in environments that reflect dignity and professionalism.