Lawyers in Osun State have urged Governor Ademola Adeleke to rehabilitate deteriorating court buildings and improve judicial facilities across the state
Lawyers in Osun State have urged Governor Ademola Adeleke to urgently rehabilitate deteriorating court buildings across the state, warning that leaking roofs, damaged ceilings and inadequate facilities are disrupting court proceedings and could expose judicial officers and members of the public to safety risks.
The appeal, made by chairmen of five branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), was contained in a letter dated 29 October 2026 and received at the Governor's Office on 2 November. The lawyers called for a comprehensive assessment, renovation and modernisation of judicial facilities across Osun.
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The association said the condition of several court buildings had deteriorated to the point where it was affecting the administration of justice and creating avoidable difficulties for judges, lawyers, litigants, witnesses and other court users.
Lawyers Identify Deteriorating Court Buildings Across Osun
The NBA chairmen identified Osogbo, Ikirun, Ilesa, Ile-Ife, Iwo and Ede among the locations where court buildings require urgent government intervention.
According to the association, several facilities have leaking roofs, damaged ceilings, inadequate seating arrangements and other structural defects that make court proceedings difficult.
The lawyers raised particular concern about rainwater entering some courtrooms, forcing proceedings to stop or resulting in unnecessary adjournments.
They argued that court operations should not depend on weather conditions because public buildings designed to administer justice should provide safe and functional environments throughout the year.
The concerns also extend to the office of the Chief Judge and the chambers of other judicial officers. The association warned that water leakage could damage official documents, court records, furniture and electronic equipment.
The five NBA branches involved in the appeal are Osogbo, Ikirun, Iwo, Ile-Ife and Ilesa.
The letter was signed by Maruf Adediran, Chairman of the NBA Osogbo Branch; Abdulkareem Azeez, Chairman of the Ikirun Branch; Emmanuel Ademola Gbadegesin, Chairman of the Iwo Branch; Olawoye Ayodele Festus, Chairman of the Ile-Ife Branch; and Adefunso Esan, Chairman of the Ilesa Branch.
NBA Calls for Comprehensive Audit and Emergency Repairs
Beyond expressing concern about the condition of the buildings, the lawyers urged the Osun State Government to conduct a comprehensive audit of judicial infrastructure across the state.
They want the assessment to cover the High Court, Customary Court of Appeal, Magistrates' Courts and District Customary Courts to establish the extent of deterioration and identify facilities requiring immediate intervention.
The association also called for emergency repairs to leaking roofs, damaged ceilings and other defects that could disrupt proceedings or endanger court users.
For buildings requiring extensive intervention, the lawyers recommended comprehensive renovation and rehabilitation rather than temporary repairs.
They further urged the government to restore the office of the Chief Judge and the chambers of other judicial officers to ensure that the facilities provide safe and suitable working environments.
The NBA said the intervention should cover all affected judicial locations, including Osogbo, Ikirun, Ilesa, Ile-Ife, Iwo and Ede.
Lawyers Demand Modern Judicial Equipment and Technology
The association also called for investment in modern equipment and digital infrastructure to improve the efficiency of the state's judicial system.
Its recommendations include electronic case management systems, digital recording equipment, computers and other essential technology for courtrooms and judicial offices.
Electronic case management systems can help courts organise case records, monitor proceedings and improve access to judicial information. Digital recording equipment can also support more efficient documentation of court proceedings.
However, the lawyers stressed that technology investment must accompany proper training for judicial and registry personnel, adequate maintenance funding and practical implementation plans.
They warned against purchasing equipment without providing the resources required to maintain it and ensure its effective use.
NBA Seeks Government Collaboration to Improve Court Infrastructure
The lawyers urged the state government to work with the judiciary and the NBA when assessing infrastructure needs, determining project priorities and monitoring rehabilitation work.
They maintained that such collaboration would help direct funding towards the most urgent requirements while respecting the constitutional independence of the judiciary.
The association also emphasised that the condition of court buildings extends beyond the appearance of public institutions. Poor facilities can disrupt proceedings, expose court users to avoidable risks and make access to justice more difficult.
The appeal highlights the importance of maintaining public institutional buildings and providing adequate funding for their long-term upkeep.
For the Osun State Government, the immediate challenge is to establish the condition of affected facilities, address urgent safety concerns and provide a sustainable rehabilitation programme that prevents further deterioration.
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