Osun NBA demands digital upgrade, repairs for courts

The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, branches in Osun State have called on Governor Ademola Adeleke to introduce urgent reforms in the state’s judicial infrastructure.

The body also warned that inadequate court facilities and the absence of modern technology could further undermine the delivery of justice.

The association urged the state government to move beyond routine maintenance by embarking on a comprehensive rehabilitation and modernisation programme covering court buildings, judicial offices and essential equipment across Osun.

The demand was contained in a letter signed by Maruf Adediran, Chairman of NBA Osogbo Branch; Abdulkareem Azeez, Chairman of NBA Ikirun Branch; Adefunso Esan, Chairman of NBA Ilesa Branch; Emmanuel Ademola Gbadegesin, Chairman of NBA Iwo Branch; and Olawoye Ayodele Festus, Chairman of NBA Ile-Ife Branch and dated October 29, 2026, addressed to Governor Adeleke.

In copies which were sent to the Chief Judge of Osun State, President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, and President of the NBA, the branch chairpersons requested the introduction of electronic case management systems, digital recording equipment, computers and other technological facilities to improve judicial operations and reduce administrative challenges.

According to the lawyers, “modernising the judiciary has become necessary amid the deteriorating condition of court buildings in Osogbo, Ikirun, Ilesa, Ile-Ife, Iwo and Ede.”

They explained that several judicial facilities were struggling with leaking roofs, damaged ceilings, insufficient seating arrangements and other structural defects that affected court proceedings.

“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.

The association disclosed that rainfall had become a major challenge in some courtrooms, with water entering buildings and forcing judicial proceedings to be suspended or adjourned.

“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 NBA representatives stated.

The lawyers said the proposed intervention should extend beyond the High Court to the Customary Court of Appeal, Magistrates’ Courts and District Customary Courts, which provide essential dispute-resolution services to residents.

They noted that “lower courts handle everyday cases involving family disputes, customary matters, civil claims and minor criminal offences. Their poor condition could restrict access to justice, particularly for rural communities and economically disadvantaged residents.”

The NBA representatives also drew attention to the condition of the chambers and offices of the Chief Judge and other judicial officers, alleging that some facilities were exposed to water leakage during rainfall.

They warned that the situation could endanger official documents, judicial records, office furniture and electronic equipment, thereby creating additional difficulties for the administration of justice.

To address the situation, the lawyers recommended a comprehensive assessment of all judicial buildings and facilities, immediate repairs to leaking roofs and damaged ceilings, as well as adequately funded rehabilitation projects across the state.

While calling for sustainable budgetary provisions to maintain renovated buildings and newly acquired equipment, they emphasised the need for collaboration between the state government, judiciary and NBA in identifying priorities and monitoring the implementation of projects.

“The Judiciary must not be left to administer justice in buildings that leak when it rains, courtrooms that cannot adequately accommodate proceedings, or offices that expose judicial officers and court records to preventable risks,” the lawyers stated.