Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has urged the state judiciary to strengthen justice, fairness, accountability and the rule of law, saying public confidence in democracy depends heavily on institutions that act impartially and responsibly.
Abiodun spoke at a thanksgiving service marking the opening of the 2026-2027 legal year of the Ogun State Judiciary at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta.
The governor said peaceful dispute resolution was essential to maintaining law and order and stressed that responsibility for protecting constitutional governance rested on the executive, legislature and judiciary collectively.
He said citizens were more likely to trust the state when laws were applied consistently and justice remained accessible.
Abiodun argued that effective constitutional checks among the three arms of government were critical safeguards against abuse of power.
He called on public institutions to ensure that authority was exercised within the boundaries of fairness, accountability and legality.
The governor urged judicial officers to protect citizens’ rights and resolve disputes transparently and impartially.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s support for improved access to justice and renewed the state’s call for an Abeokuta Division of the Court of Appeal.
Abiodun said a significant number of cases handled by the Ibadan Division originated from Ogun State and argued that a division in Abeokuta would reduce travel burdens and bring appellate justice closer to residents.
In his sermon, Cathedral Dean Samuel Omidiji urged judges and legal practitioners to ensure that truth and justice remained central to their work.
He also warned against unnecessary delays and excessive reliance on technicalities that could slow the administration of justice.
Ogun Chief Judge Mosunmola Dipeolu read the lesson at the service.
The ceremony formally opened a new judicial year in which the state government and judiciary are expected to focus on access, efficiency and public trust in the justice system.
