Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has praised the President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Bolna’an Dongban-Mensem, for approving the establishment of the Abeokuta Division of the Court of Appeal.
He described the move as a major step that will improve access to justice and promote economic growth in the state.
Speaking at the State Treasury Board Meeting for the 2025–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the 2026 Budget Session held at the Oba’s Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the governor said the approval was a landmark decision that would strengthen the justice system and enhance Ogun’s ease of doing business.
“I want to express my sincere appreciation to Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem for this visionary and pragmatic decision,” Abiodun said.
“Her approval of the Abeokuta Division of the Court of Appeal recognises the strategic importance of our state in Nigeria’s judicial and economic landscape.”
He noted that the President of the Court of Appeal had demonstrated a deep understanding of Ogun State’s challenges, especially its growing judicial workload.
“Her leadership has brought renewed vigour to the appellate system and a stronger commitment to justice, fairness, and accessibility,” the governor added.
Abiodun explained that the state government had earlier met all the requirements set by the Court of Appeal for the creation of the new division.
According to him, his administration provided land and ensured infrastructure readiness because of the value the institution would add to both the justice system and the state’s economy.
“The new court will bring justice closer to our people. It will also boost investor confidence and promote economic growth. This is a major pillar in our Ease of Doing Business Index and a significant enabler of commercial activity.”
The governor pointed out that about 75 percent of appeal cases handled by the Ibadan Division originate from Ogun State, making the creation of a division in Abeokuta a necessary step.
“Having our own division means business and commercial disputes can now be resolved faster, giving investors more confidence to invest in our state,” he said.
Abiodun revealed that the site for the new Court of Appeal complex has already been secured adjacent to the Judiciary Complex along Kobape Road in Abeokuta, and construction will commence immediately.
“We are not waiting for federal funding. Our administration will finance the project and seek reimbursement later. The court will be completed and fully operational before the end of my tenure.”
The governor described the decision to establish the new division as both a judicial and governance milestone.
He said it reflects the foresight and fairness of Justice Dongban-Mensem, who has shown great commitment to efficient justice delivery across the country.
“The new division will decongest the Ibadan Division, ensure timely resolution of appeals, and make judicial services more accessible to our people,” he stated.
Abiodun also commended the Ogun State Judiciary for its cooperation and professionalism, describing it as the last hope of the common man and a vital partner in the state’s progress.
He added that the strong synergy between the executive and judicial arms of government has contributed greatly to his administration’s success.
“The establishment of the Abeokuta Division of the Court of Appeal is not just about justice delivery; it is about governance, equity, and development,” the governor said.
“It stands as a legacy project that symbolises collaboration between the federal judiciary and the Ogun State Government.”
Governor Abiodun concluded that the new division would revolutionise the justice system in Ogun State, reduce delays in appeal cases, and make justice “swifter, fairer, and more accessible,” while reinforcing public confidence in governance and the rule of law.
