LAGOS CJ INAUGURATES AMUWO ODOFIN HIGH COURT DIVISION TO BRING JUSTICE CLOSER TO THE PEOPLE
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, on Thursday inaugurated a new High Court division in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, marking what he described as a pivotal move in decentralizing judicial services and reducing the burdens Lagosians face in accessing justice.
At the well-attended ceremony, Justice Alogba emphasized that the new court facility would provide immediate relief to litigants and legal practitioners, especially those previously required to navigate long, unpredictable commutes in the city’s notorious traffic to attend proceedings in distant divisions.
“Imagine someone leaving home at 6:30am for a 9am court session, only to arrive late and miss their case. In criminal matters, this could lead to a bench warrant. That’s how justice can elude the ordinary citizen,” he said. “This facility addresses that very real, pedestrian-level injustice.”
He noted that the practice of situating over two dozen courtrooms in a single location often creates logistical and practical hardships, particularly in a densely populated and geographically expansive state like Lagos. The new division, he said, fills a critical gap between the Apapa and Badagry judicial corridors.
Justice Alogba lauded the foresight of the Amuwo Odofin Local Government Chairman, Mr. Valentine Buraimoh, and the local bar association for their role in actualizing the project, describing it as a concrete example of how collaborative leadership can transform communities.
“This is a vital first step. It may not be the grandest edifice, but it is a meaningful beginning—one that symbolizes progress in our judiciary’s mission to be more accessible,” he said.
In a call for ethical reform within the legal profession, the Chief Judge urged lawyers to refrain from filing frivolous applications, cautioning that the judiciary can no longer afford to suffer reputational damage caused by legal manipulation.
“When lawyers offer truthful, sound counsel, they earn the respect of their clients and elevate the dignity of the profession,” he added.
Earlier, Chairman Valentine Buraimoh praised the new division as a landmark achievement for the people of Amuwo Odofin. He described it as a cornerstone for equitable governance and an enabler of civic confidence.
“This court will serve as a beacon of justice, equity, and peace for our people,” Buraimoh declared. “It reduces the stress and cost of accessing the judiciary, especially for low-income residents. It’s not just a building; it’s a promise fulfilled.”
He pledged his administration’s continued support for projects that advance local development and enhance institutional trust.
The Chairman of the Amuwo Odofin Lawyers’ Forum, Mr. Chris Aghaonu, also extended his appreciation to the Lagos State Judiciary, stating that the opening of both Magistrate and High Court divisions in the locality heralded “a new dawn for grassroots justice.”
The inauguration was attended by senior judicial officers, government functionaries, and members of the Nigerian Bar Association. Many described the new division as a timely intervention in legal infrastructure that will bolster Lagos’ commitment to efficient, inclusive justice delivery.
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