Chairmen of five branches of the Nigerian Bar Association in Osun State have written to Governor Ademola Adeleke over the deplorable state of court buildings across the state.

The chairmen, who called on the governor to undertake comprehensive renovation and rehabilitation of deteriorated High Court buildings, demanded equal attention for the Customary Court of Appeal, Magistrates’ Courts and District Customary Courts in the state.

The chairmen of the five branches who signed the letter, dated October 29, 2026, addressed to the governor, a copy of which was obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday, are: Chairman, NBA Osogbo, Maruf Adediran; Chairman, NBA Ikirun, Abdulkareem Azeez; Chairperson, NBA Ilesa, Adefunso Esan; Chairman, NBA Iwo, Emmanuel Gbadegesin; and Chairman, NBA Ile-Ife, Festus Olawoye.

The NBA stated in the letter that the state of court buildings in Osun had become a matter of serious concern to the legal profession and, more importantly, to the administration of justice and the general public.

It said several court facilities had deteriorated to an extent that threatened the dignity of the judicial institution, disrupted judicial proceedings and imposed avoidable hardship on judicial officers, legal practitioners, litigants, witnesses and other court users.

“We respectfully but firmly submit that the state of our courts requires urgent, comprehensive and sustainable intervention by the Osun State Government. The administration of justice must not be impeded by dilapidated buildings, leaking roofs, inadequate facilities or the absence of modern equipment necessary for efficient judicial operations.

“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 problems include deteriorating building structures, leaking roofs, damaged ceilings, inadequate seating arrangements and other infrastructural deficiencies that make the conduct of judicial proceedings difficult and, in some instances, practically impossible,” the letter read.

Beyond the urgent need to repair and renovate dilapidated buildings, the association also called on Adeleke to support the modernisation and technological advancement of courts in the state.

It noted that the effective administration of justice in contemporary times required more than sound buildings, saying courts must also be equipped with functional and modern facilities that enable judicial officers, legal practitioners and court personnel to perform their duties efficiently.

“We therefore urge the state government to make adequate provision for the procurement, installation and maintenance of modern judicial facilities.

“We emphasise that modernisation should be implemented in a practical and sustainable manner, with appropriate training for judicial and registry personnel, adequate maintenance provisions and due regard to the needs of different courts across the state,” the letter further read.

It also urged Adeleke to, “Commission an urgent and comprehensive audit of court buildings, courtrooms, judicial chambers and associated facilities throughout Osun State, covering the High Court, Customary Court of Appeal, Magistrates’ Courts and District Customary Courts.

“Prioritise emergency repairs to leaking roofs, damaged ceilings and other defects that interrupt court proceedings or pose safety risks to court users. Undertake comprehensive renovation and rehabilitation of seriously deteriorated court buildings, including those in Osogbo, Ikirun, Ilesa, Ile-Ife, Iwo, Ede and other affected locations.

“Repair and rehabilitate the office of the Honourable Chief Judge and the chambers of other judicial officers, ensuring that they are safe, secure and conducive to the discharge of judicial functions. Provide adequate funding for the acquisition and installation of modern judicial equipment and technology, including electronic case management systems, digital recording equipment, computers and other essential facilities.”

The group also advised the governor to engage the judiciary and the NBA in constructive consultation on the assessment of needs, prioritisation of projects and monitoring of improvements, while fully respecting the constitutional independence of the judiciary.

The PUNCH earlier reported that the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association in the state intervened when courts across Osun were shut down due to industrial action by members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria.

It warned that the continued closure of courts in the state, if prolonged, could lead to a breakdown of law and order.

The intervention was contained in a letter obtained in Osogbo, addressed to Governor Ademola Adeleke and copied to the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun; the Chief Judge, Adepele Ojo; the Attorney-General, Oluwole Jimi-Bada; and the state JUSUN chairman, Idris Adeniran.

The letter, dated December 8, 2025, was signed by the chairmen of the five NBA branches in the state.