Five branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Osun State have urged Governor Ademola Adeleke to urgently rehabilitate dilapidated court facilities across the state, warning that poor infrastructure is disrupting the administration of justice.
In a letter dated October 29, 2026, the lawyers demanded a comprehensive audit and rehabilitation of judicial facilities in Osogbo, Ikirun, Ilesa, Ile-Ife, Iwo, Ede and other parts of the state.
They also called for the modernisation of the judiciary through electronic case management systems, digital recording equipment, computers and other essential technology.
According to the NBA, the deteriorating condition of several court buildings has become a serious concern to the legal profession and the wider public, with leaking roofs, damaged ceilings, inadequate seating and other structural deficiencies making judicial proceedings difficult.
The association said the situation was inconsistent with the importance of courts as institutions responsible for administering justice.
“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 said.
The NBA stressed that intervention should not be limited to High Court buildings but should also cover the Customary Court of Appeal, Magistrates’ Courts and District Customary Courts.
It said the government should prioritise emergency repairs to leaking roofs, damaged ceilings and other defects capable of disrupting proceedings or endangering court users.
The lawyers further urged Adeleke to rehabilitate the office of the Chief Judge and chambers of other judicial officers, ensuring that they are safe, secure and suitable for judicial duties.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the NBA called for adequate funding for modern judicial equipment and technology, including electronic case management systems, digital recording equipment and computers.
It said such modernisation must be accompanied by proper training for judicial and registry personnel, as well as sustainable maintenance provisions to prevent newly renovated facilities and equipment from deteriorating again.
The association also recommended constructive consultation among the state government, judiciary and NBA in assessing needs, determining priorities and monitoring the implementation of improvement projects, while respecting the constitutional independence of the judiciary.
The letter was signed by Maruf Adediran, Chairman of NBA Osogbo Branch; Abdulkareem Azeez, Chairman of NBA Ikirun Branch; Adefunso Esan, Chairperson of NBA Ilesa Branch; Emmanuel Ademola Gbadegesin, Chairman of NBA Iwo Branch; and Olawoye Ayodele Festus, Chairman of NBA Ile-Ife Branch.
Recent reports have also highlighted concerns about the condition of the High Court in Ede, where judges and staff reportedly vacated the premises in 2026 amid fears over the state of the building.
The latest demand comes months after the five NBA branches intervened in a separate crisis involving the prolonged shutdown of courts in Osun following industrial action by members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN).
In a letter dated December 8, 2025, the lawyers urged Adeleke to intervene in the dispute, warning that prolonged closure of the courts could undermine law and order and create serious consequences for the administration of justice.
