The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, on Thursday inaugurated a new High Court division in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, describing it as a strategic move to decentralize judicial services and improve access to justice for residents.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Justice Alogba highlighted the challenges faced by litigants and legal practitioners navigating long distances and Lagos’ notorious traffic just to attend court sessions.
“Imagine a man who leaves home by 6:30 a.m. for a 9 a.m. sitting, but arrives late and misses his case. In criminal matters, this could lead to a bench warrant. That’s how justice eludes the common man,” the Chief Judge remarked.
He noted that the practice of clustering 24 to 25 courtrooms in a single complex was no longer sustainable, stressing that localized courts would alleviate undue hardship and uphold the principle of timely and equitable justice.
The Chief Judge commended Amuwo Odofin Council Chairman, Mr. Valentine Buraimoh, and the local branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for their vision and collaboration in making the court project a reality.
He revealed that the initiative aligned with the judiciary’s strategy to bridge the coverage gap between Apapa and Badagry.
“This facility is a starting point for a proper High Court complex in this area. It represents what can be achieved through unity of purpose,” Alogba said.
In his address to members of the Bar, Justice Alogba called for integrity and professionalism, warning against frivolous applications and “gambling with justice.”
“Clients must stop seeing the courts as betting grounds. Lawyers must advise clients honestly. That’s how you earn lasting respect—and better fees,” he stated.
Earlier in the ceremony, Council Chairman Valentine Buraimoh described the court’s opening as a milestone for the local justice system, stressing its importance in promoting fairness, civic trust, and economic opportunities.
“This court will reduce the barriers our people face in seeking justice and reinforce the rule of law in Amuwo Odofin. It is a beacon of hope for equity and peace,” Buraimoh said.
He pledged the Council’s continued support for initiatives aimed at strengthening governance and judicial service delivery in the area.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Amuwo Odofin Lawyers’ Forum, Mr. Chris Aghaonu, lauded the judiciary and state government for establishing both Magistrate and High Court divisions in the locality, calling it “a new dawn for grassroots justice delivery.”
The event drew attendance from senior judicial officers, government representatives, and legal professionals, all of whom hailed the project as a timely and impactful investment in Lagos’ legal infrastructure.
Reporting by Wahab Akinlade