Lawyers in Osun State have called on Governor Ademola Adeleke to urgently renovate and modernise court buildings across the state, warning that deteriorating facilities are disrupting proceedings and making access to justice increasingly 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.
The letter, signed by the chairmen of the five branches, was received at the Governor’s Office on November 2.
The lawyers said the condition of several court buildings had worsened to the point where it threatened the dignity of the judiciary and subjected judges, lawyers, litigants and witnesses to avoidable hardship.
They identified leaking roofs, damaged ceilings, poor seating arrangements and other structural defects as major challenges facing courts in the state.
According to them, rainwater entering some courtrooms has repeatedly interrupted proceedings, leading to adjournments and delays in the determination of cases.
“It is unacceptable that court proceedings in a state governed by the rule of law should be dictated by the weather because the buildings in which justice is administered cannot adequately withstand rainfall,” the lawyers stated.
Judicial facilities in poor condition
The NBA branches said the deterioration was not confined to courtrooms, noting that the offices of the Chief Judge and other judicial officers were also affected.
They expressed concern that water leaks and structural defects could damage court records, official documents, furniture and electronic equipment.
The lawyers called for a comprehensive assessment of facilities across the High Court, Customary Court of Appeal, Magistrates’ Courts and District Customary Courts.
They urged the government to prioritise repairs in Osogbo, Ikirun, Ilesa, Ile-Ife, Iwo, Ede and other parts of the state.
Demand for modern technology
Beyond structural rehabilitation, the NBA branches asked the state government to equip courts with modern facilities, including electronic case management systems, digital recording devices and computers.
They also called for adequate funding for maintenance and training of judicial officers and registry personnel to ensure that new technologies are effectively used.
The lawyers said buildings considered unsafe should receive urgent attention, warning that the poor state of court infrastructure could undermine the effective administration of justice.
They further urged the government to involve the judiciary and the NBA in identifying infrastructure needs, setting priorities and monitoring projects, while respecting judicial independence.
“Our appeal is not merely about the physical appearance of court buildings; it concerns the ability of a critical institution of government to discharge its constitutional responsibilities effectively and the ability of the people of Osun State to access justice without avoidable hardship,” the letter stated.
The lawyers maintained that judicial officers should not be expected to administer justice in facilities with leaking roofs, inadequate courtroom arrangements or offices that expose personnel and records to preventable risks.
They said improving court infrastructure and working conditions would enhance efficiency, strengthen justice delivery and boost public confidence in the judicial system.
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