Lawyers in Osun State have called on Governor Ademola Adeleke to urgently rehabilitate and modernise court buildings across the state, warning that deteriorating facilities are disrupting proceedings and making access to justice difficult.
The appeal was made by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) branches in Osogbo, Ikirun, Iwo, Ile-Ife and Ilesa in a joint letter dated October 29, 2026, and received at the Governor’s Office on November 2.
The letter was signed by the chairmen of the five branches: Maruf Adediran, Abdulkareem Azeez, Emmanuel Gbadegesin, Olawoye Festus and Adefunso Esan.
The lawyers said the condition of several court buildings had deteriorated to a level that threatened the dignity of the judiciary and subjected judges, lawyers, litigants and witnesses to avoidable hardship.
They identified leaking roofs, damaged ceilings, inadequate seating and other structural defects as recurring challenges. According to them, rainwater entering courtrooms has disrupted proceedings, forcing adjournments and delaying the determination of cases.
The NBA branches said court proceedings in a state governed by the rule of law should not be dictated by the weather because buildings meant for the administration of justice cannot withstand rainfall.
They added that the deterioration extended beyond courtrooms, with the offices of the Chief Judge and other judicial officers also affected.
The lawyers expressed concern that water leakage and structural defects could damage court records, official documents, furniture and electronic equipment.
Call for comprehensive assessment
The NBA branches urged the state government to conduct a comprehensive audit of facilities across the High Court, Customary Court of Appeal, Magistrates’ Courts and District Customary Courts.
They said the assessment should cover Osogbo, Ikirun, Ilesa, Ile-Ife, Iwo, Ede and other parts of the state.
They also called for urgent repairs to buildings considered unsafe, alongside wider renovation and modernisation of judicial facilities.
Beyond structural work, the lawyers asked the government to provide electronic case-management systems, digital recording devices and computers. They also sought adequate funding for maintenance and training for judicial and registry personnel.
The branches urged the government to work with the judiciary and NBA in identifying infrastructure needs, setting priorities and monitoring projects, while respecting judicial independence.
They said their appeal went beyond the physical condition of court buildings, stressing that proper facilities were necessary for the judiciary to fulfil its constitutional responsibilities and for residents to access justice without unnecessary hardship.
The lawyers maintained that improving court infrastructure and working conditions would strengthen justice delivery, enhance efficiency and boost public confidence in the judicial system.
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