Chairpersons of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) branches in Osun State have urged Governor Ademola Adeleke to address the deteriorating condition of court buildings across the state, warning that inadequate judicial infrastructure is contributing to delays in the administration of justice.
In a letter dated October 29, 2026, and addressed to the governor, the lawyers called for urgent rehabilitation of existing facilities alongside investments in modern technology to improve judicial operations.
They identified Osogbo, Ikirun, Ilesa, Ile-Ife, Iwo and Ede among locations where court buildings reportedly suffer from leaking roofs, damaged ceilings, insufficient seating and other structural deficiencies.
According to the branch chairpersons, the situation has created difficult working conditions for judicial officers, lawyers and court personnel while inconveniencing litigants seeking justice.
The lawyers expressed particular concern over courtrooms where rainfall reportedly disrupts proceedings, sometimes forcing judges to suspend hearings or adjourn cases.
“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,” they stated.
They argued that such interruptions contribute to avoidable delays and undermine public confidence in the judicial system.
The association stressed that the infrastructural challenges were not limited to High Courts but also affected Magistrates’ Courts, District Customary Courts and the Customary Court of Appeal.
The lawyers described these lower courts as particularly important because they handle disputes involving family relationships, customary matters, civil claims and minor criminal offences.
They warned that continued neglect could disproportionately affect rural residents and financially disadvantaged citizens who depend on accessible courts to resolve disputes.
Beyond the condition of courtrooms, the NBA representatives raised concerns about the offices and chambers of judicial officers, including those of the Chief Judge.
They alleged that water leakage in some offices posed risks to court records, official documents, furniture and electronic equipment.
The lawyers consequently urged the Adeleke administration to conduct a comprehensive assessment of judicial facilities throughout the state to establish the scale of deterioration.
They recommended that emergency repairs to leaking roofs and damaged ceilings should receive immediate attention, followed by properly funded renovation and rehabilitation projects.
The association also advocated the introduction of electronic case management systems, digital recording facilities, computers and other technological tools to improve efficiency.
According to the lawyers, modernising judicial infrastructure would help strengthen record management, support court administration and reduce operational difficulties.
They further called for dedicated budgetary allocations to ensure regular maintenance of renovated buildings and newly installed equipment.
The NBA branch chairpersons maintained that restoring the dignity and functionality of court facilities was essential to protecting access to justice and ensuring effective judicial service delivery across Osun State.
Ezeana Emmanuel
