The Chief Judge of Kwara State, Hon. Justice Abiodun Ayodele Adebara, on Friday officially commissioned a new Area Court in Esie, Irepodun Local Government Area, emphasizing the facility’s role in bringing justice closer to the community.
During the commissioning ceremony, Justice Adebara noted that he promptly approved the request from the Omo Ibile Esie group for the establishment of the court, describing it as “long overdue” given Esie’s prominent status on the national map.
In his address, the Chief Judge congratulated the Elesie of Esie, Oba Yakubu Ibrahim Babalola Egunjobi II, for fostering growth and development through his prolonged peaceful reign. He praised the Esie community for alleviating government expenditure by reconstructing an existing building into a fully equipped courtroom, complete with furniture.
On behalf of the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Justice Adebara extended appreciation to the Oyeyipo Foundation for spearheading the reconstruction and furnishing of the facility. He urged other traditional rulers to emulate the Elesie and the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo by prioritizing judicial development in their domains.
In his remarks, the Elesie of Esie, Oba Yakubu Ibrahim Babalola Egunjobi II, expressed gratitude to the Oyeyipo Foundation for renovating the structure to meet courtroom standards. He called on the town’s sons and daughters to remain law-abiding, stating that the new court is poised to address local disputes and uphold the rule of law.
Earlier, Mr. Ololade Oyeyipo, National President of Omo Ibile Esie, revealed that the initiative originated from the Elesie, who raised the need for a local court. Oyeyipo thanked God for the project’s completion and expressed confidence that it would deliver justice to Esie and surrounding areas.
The Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Yahaya Mohammed Atoloye Alebiosu II, in his remarks, commended Justice Adebara’s tenure, describing his achievements as “unmatched and unprecedented.” He noted the Chief Judge’s success in commissioning numerous courts across Kwara’s three senatorial districts, attributing it to faithfulness, hard work, and commitment.
Prior to the unveiling, Justice Adebara signed the warrant establishing the Area Court and presented a copy to the Elesie.
The event drew notable attendees, including Hajia Risikat Babalola, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Kwara State Governor; Hon. Olayemi Olabanji, APC Senatorial Chairman for Kwara South and a member of the Nigerian Ports Authority Governing Board; and Hon. Sunday Aaron Gbadeyanka, Councillor for Esie Ijan Constituency.
Royal fathers present included the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, the Alada of Omido, the Oloyoipo of Eggi-Oyoipo, the Onijan of Ijan, and the Alagbele of Agbele, all from Irepodun LGA.
Accompanying the Chief Judge were Hon. Justice F. F. AbdulRasaq, Hon. Justice Osuolale Ajayi, Chief Registrar Chief Magistrate K. A. Yahaya, Deputy Chief Registrar for Special Duties, Research and Publication Chief Magistrate A. M. Ibrahim, Deputy Chief Registrar for Area Court Hon. Judge J. S. Adeniyi, presiding Judge of the new Esie Area Court Judge AbdulRasaq AbdulGaniy, along with members of the Protocol and Media and Information Units.