Chairpersons of branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Osun State have written to Governor Ademola Adeleke, urging him to urgently rehabilitate, renovate, and modernize court buildings and judicial facilities across the state. The lawyers expressed concern that the deteriorating condition of these facilities is undermining the administration of justice. They noted that several court buildings, particularly in Osogbo, Ikirun, Ilesa, Ile-Ife, Iwo, and Ede, have fallen into a deplorable state.
The NBA branch chairpersons highlighted that the deteriorating facilities are threatening the dignity of the judicial institution, disrupting court proceedings, and imposing avoidable hardships on judicial officers, lawyers, litigants, and other court users. They identified leaking roofs, damaged ceilings, inadequate seating arrangements, and other infrastructural deficiencies as some of the pressing challenges. The lawyers stated that rainwater entering some courtrooms during rainfall has forced proceedings to be interrupted or brought to an end, resulting in unnecessary adjournments and delays.
The appeal was contained in a letter dated October 29, 2026, addressed to Governor Adeleke at the Government House, Osogbo. The lawyers stressed that their concerns extend beyond the High Court buildings to include the Customary Court of Appeal, Magistrates’ Courts, and District Customary Courts across the state. They noted that the lower courts handle disputes affecting the everyday lives of citizens, including family and customary matters, civil claims, and minor criminal proceedings.
The NBA branch chairpersons raised concerns over the condition of the chambers and offices of the Chief Judge and other judicial officers, alleging that some were affected by water leakage during rainfall. They said such conditions raise serious questions about the protection of official documents, court records, furniture, and electronic equipment. The lawyers warned that neglecting the infrastructure of these courts could undermine access to justice, especially for rural dwellers and persons with limited financial resources.
Beyond the rehabilitation of existing structures, the lawyers called for the modernization of the state’s judicial system through the provision of electronic case management systems, digital recording equipment, computers, and other essential facilities. They urged the state government to undertake a comprehensive audit of all court buildings and associated facilities, prioritize emergency repairs to leaking roofs and damaged ceilings, and embark on properly funded rehabilitation projects.
The lawyers also emphasized the need for adequate budgetary provisions for the regular maintenance of renovated buildings and newly acquired equipment. They warned against a situation where facilities deteriorate again due to neglect. The NBA branch chairpersons expressed hope that the governor would take urgent action to address the challenges facing the state’s judicial system.
The state government has been urged to take immediate action to address the deplorable condition of court buildings and judicial facilities in Osun State. The Nigerian Bar Association has emphasized the need for urgent renovation and modernization to ensure the effective administration of justice. The situation remains a concern for stakeholders in the state’s judicial system.
Key points
- The Nigerian Bar Association has appealed to Governor Ademola Adeleke to urgently rehabilitate, renovate, and modernize court buildings and judicial facilities across Osun State.
- The deteriorating condition of court facilities in Osun State is undermining the administration of justice and imposing hardships on judicial officers, lawyers, litigants, and other court users.
- The state government has been urged to undertake a comprehensive audit of all court buildings and associated facilities, prioritize emergency repairs, and embark on properly funded rehabilitation projects.
