Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has allocated 49 newly constructed duplexes to judges of the State High Court as part of efforts to strengthen judicial welfare and improve conditions of service in the state.

The governor announced the allocation on Wednesday during the swearing-in ceremony of five new High Court judges held at the Executive Chambers, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The newly sworn-in judges are Luqman Oke, Adebimpe Obienu, Fatima Daudu, Rafiat Kadiri and Oludotun Osho, bringing the total number of judges in the state to 49.

Abiodun said the duplexes, located at the President Muhammadu Buhari Estate along Kobape Road, Abeokuta, were provided in fulfilment of his administration’s commitment to judicial welfare and the creation of an enabling environment for effective administration of justice.

“As our administration approaches the conclusion of its tenure, we will continue to motivate and support the judiciary and provide for the welfare and well-being of our judges, who have signed up for this service to humanity, within our constitutional responsibilities,” he said.

The governor described the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, urging the newly appointed judges to uphold integrity, impartiality and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

He charged them to dispense justice without fear or favour, evaluate evidence carefully, apply the law faithfully and ensure that their courts remained accessible to all citizens.

Abiodun also cautioned the judges against political interference, personal relationships and material inducement, stressing that neither public opinion nor the status of individuals or political parties should influence judicial decisions.

On judicial infrastructure, the governor disclosed that construction had commenced on the Abeokuta Division of the Court of Appeal complex on a 2.6-hectare site adjoining the State Judiciary Complex at Kobape.

He listed other interventions to include the completion of six duplexes at Ibara Housing GRA, Abeokuta, for judicial officers and 20 bungalows at Prince Court Estate, Kobape, for supporting personnel.

Abiodun said the appointment of the five judges demonstrated his administration’s determination to strengthen the state's judicial capacity, noting that more judges had been appointed under his administration than during previous administrations.

He commended the Chief Judge for facilitating the appointments and expressed optimism that the emergence of a younger generation of judicial officers would ensure continuity, renewed energy and long-term institutional development.

The governor further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to institutional cooperation and respect for the constitutional principle of separation of powers.

He also highlighted the state judiciary’s electronic affidavit platform as a major step towards improving access to justice and service delivery.

According to him, the digital platform has facilitated the processing of more than 31,000 affidavits, with approximately 4,500 users and 25 agents operating across the state.