Osun courts in ruins: Lawyers write Adeleke, demand urgent renovation

Chairpersons of branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Osun State have appealed to Governor Ademola Adeleke to urgently rehabilitate, renovate and modernise court buildings and judicial facilities across the state, warning that their deteriorating condition is undermining the administration of justice.

The lawyers said several court buildings in the state, particularly in Osogbo, Ikirun, Ilesa, Ile-Ife, Iwo and Ede, had fallen into a deplorable state, with leaking roofs, damaged ceilings, inadequate seating arrangements and other infrastructural deficiencies making judicial proceedings difficult.

The appeal was contained in a letter dated October 29, 2026, and addressed to Governor Adeleke at the Government House, Osogbo.

The NBA branch chairpersons expressed concern that the deteriorating facilities were threatening the dignity of the judicial institution, disrupting court proceedings and imposing avoidable hardships on judicial officers, lawyers, litigants and other court users.

“It is deeply troubling that several court buildings across the State, particularly in Osogbo, Ikirun, Ilesa, Ile-Ife, Iwo, Ede and other locations, have fallen into a state of disrepair that is inconsistent with the importance of the judicial institution they house,” the lawyers stated.

They identified leaking roofs during rainfall as one of the most pressing challenges, noting that rainwater entering some courtrooms had forced proceedings to be interrupted or brought to an end, resulting in unnecessary adjournments and delays in the administration of justice.

“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 letter stated.

The lawyers stressed that their concerns extended beyond the High Court buildings to include the Customary Court of Appeal, Magistrates’ Courts and District Customary Courts across the state.

According to them, the lower courts are particularly important because they handle disputes affecting the everyday lives of citizens, including family and customary matters, civil claims and minor criminal proceedings.

They warned that neglecting the infrastructure of these courts could undermine access to justice, especially for rural dwellers and persons with limited financial resources who depend on them for affordable and accessible dispute resolution.

The NBA branch chairpersons also raised concerns over the condition of the chambers and offices of the Chief Judge and other judicial officers, alleging that some were affected by water leakage during rainfall.

They said such conditions raised serious questions about the protection of official documents, court records, furniture and electronic equipment.

Beyond the rehabilitation of existing structures, the lawyers called for the modernisation of the state’s judicial system through the provision of electronic case management systems, digital recording equipment, computers and other essential facilities.

They urged the state government to undertake a comprehensive audit of all court buildings and associated facilities, prioritise emergency repairs to leaking roofs and damaged ceilings, and embark on properly funded rehabilitation projects.

They further called for adequate budgetary provisions for the regular maintenance of renovated buildings and newly acquired equipment, warning against a situation where facilities deteriorate again due to neglect.