Abiodun Applauds Appeal Court President for Approving Ogun Division, Says New Court Will Strengthen Justice System and Drive Economic Growth
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 creation of the Abeokuta Division of the Court of Appeal. He described the approval as a historic step that will transform justice delivery and further boost the state’s economic competitiveness.
Abiodun made the remarks 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 in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
The governor expressed deep appreciation to Justice Dongban-Mensem, noting that her decision demonstrates a clear understanding of Ogun State’s strategic role in Nigeria’s judicial and economic sectors. He commended her for providing what he called a visionary, pragmatic, and highly responsive approval that takes into account the state’s increasing judicial demands.
According to Abiodun, Justice Dongban-Mensem’s leadership has revitalised the appellate system, and her approval of the Ogun Division reflects a strong commitment to fairness, accessibility, and improved justice delivery. He revealed that the state had already met all the requirements set by the Court of Appeal before the final nod was given.
He explained that his administration took deliberate steps to fulfill all necessary conditions—ranging from securing land to ensuring infrastructure readiness—because the establishment of the court offers both judicial and economic benefits to the state.
Abiodun highlighted that the new division will bring justice closer to residents while significantly enhancing investor confidence. He noted that Ogun State accounts for roughly 75 percent of cases handled by the Ibadan Division, making it essential to have a more proximate appellate court for faster dispute resolution, especially in commercial matters.
The governor announced that land had been secured for the new Court of Appeal complex beside the Judiciary Complex along Kobape Road in Abeokuta. He assured that construction would begin immediately, adding that his administration would fund the project upfront without waiting for federal reimbursement. The governor pledged that the court would be completed and functional before the end of his tenure.
He described the approval as a testament to Justice Dongban-Mensem’s fairness, foresight, and dedication to modernising justice administration across Nigeria. Abiodun stressed that the new division will help decongest the Ibadan Division, ensure quicker resolution of appeals, and make judicial services more accessible to the people of Ogun State.
The governor also commended the Ogun State judiciary for its cooperation and professionalism, describing it as a key partner in the state’s development and a critical defender of justice for the common man. He said the harmony between the executive and judiciary has been instrumental to his administration’s achievements, and he reaffirmed his commitment to providing world-class working conditions and support for the judicial arm.
Abiodun emphasized that the establishment of the Abeokuta Division is both a judicial breakthrough and a governance milestone, aligning with his administration’s dedication to institutional reform, equitable governance, and sustainable economic growth. He described the project as a lasting legacy that symbolizes strong collaboration between the federal judiciary and the Ogun State Government.
In his concluding remarks, the governor said the new Court of Appeal division will play a transformative role in Ogun State—speeding up justice delivery, reducing workload pressures, and strengthening confidence in governance and the rule of law.
