The Lagos State Government has handed over a new temporary Court Complex at Osborne Road, Ikoyi, to the Judiciary to replace the Igbosere High Court, burnt during the #EndSARS protest, as promised by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu last year.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, said the Court complex is a temporary relocation while awaiting the rebuilding of the burnt Igbosere High Court Complex into a modern and sophisticated Courthouse.
He added that the temporary Court complex consists of eight Courtrooms with an equal number of Judges’ Chambers, Secretary’s office, Registrar’s office, General office for administrative staff, restrooms on each floor, Canteen, litigants’ room and an office for the Chief Judge.
The Attorney-General noted that the new temporary Court complex is equipped with the latest technology to enhance digital recording of Court proceedings.
“In fulfilment of Governor Sanwo-Olu-led administration’s promise on the digitalisation of courtrooms in Lagos State, the temporary Courthouse is equipped with up-to-date technology”, Onigbanjo said.
While handing over the Court complex, the Attorney-General implored the Judiciary to make maximum use of the Court House for the benefit of residents of Lagos State.
Receiving the new temporary Court complex, Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, appreciated the efforts of Governor Sanwo-Olu for his timely response to the challenge of the burnt Igbosere Courthouse by providing a replacement.
He added that the temporary arrangement will ease the trauma experienced by the Judiciary after the Igbosere High Court got burnt during the #EndSARS protest in October 2020.
“The edifice will be a relief to the Judges, whose property got burnt during the #EndSARS protest. It was quite traumatic because they are used to working and not being idle for a long period of time”, Alogba said.
The Chief Judge disclosed that Court sittings will be at 9 a.m to 5 p.m, Monday to Friday, in order to ensure the safety of the Judges and residents of Osborne Estate, Ikoyi.
He commended the Agencies of the State government that assisted in the timely completion of the temporary Courthouse project, noting that with handing over of the Courthouse, speedy dispensation of justice in the State will be enhanced.
