The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ondo State has expressed concerns over the dilapidated conditions of the ‘courtrooms’ in the state’s high courts. 

The party particularly lamented the poor state of the courtrooms in Oka, Ondo town, describing it as a glaring indictment on the state’s judicial system.

“I am compelled to speak out against the egregious neglect of High Court I. The rainy season has exposed the rot, revealing a system struggling under the weight of abandonment,” the party lamented in an open letter addressed to the attorney general and commissioner for justice in the state, Kayode Ajulo, by the SDP through its chairman, Gbenga Akinbuli. 

Mr Akinbuli added that the deplorable condition of the state’s high courts also reflects a gross neglect of the justice system and undermines the rule of law. 

He said the state of the facility reflects a gross neglect of the justice system and undermines the rule of law in the state.

“I wonder, and I ask: Is Attorney General Dr. Olukayode Ajulo aware of the pathetic state of our high court? Or is he deliberately turning a blind eye to the suffering of our judicial officers and litigants? 

“I remember vividly his emphasis on court reforms, but is this the kind of reform he envisioned? Leaking roofs, poor sitting conditions, and an overall environment that is an affront to justice,” Mr Akinbuli queried. 

He asked if the state government was unaware of the court’s condition or had chosen to “deliberately turn a blind eye” to the plight of judicial officers, litigants, and the public who rely on the courts for justice.

“The welfare of our courts and judicial officers seems to be of little concern to those responsible. How can litigants and court officials be expected to function effectively in such an environment? It’s discouraging, even for the most capable individuals,” he said. 

Mr Akinbuli called for urgent reforms, especially the granting of full financial autonomy to the judiciary in Ondo State.

He urged Mr Ajulo to advise Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on the need to empower the judiciary, noting that without transparency and accountability in the management of judicial funds, progress would remain elusive.

“If funds have indeed been disbursed, then what mechanisms are in place to ensure the Chief Judge is transparent and effective in their utilisation?

“This is not about politics; it’s about the integrity of justice. Our courts must be places of dignity and order, not suffering and neglect,” he said.

The SDP chairman warned that the current state of courtrooms makes it nearly impossible for judicial officers to perform effectively, adding that it discourages young legal practitioners and undermines public confidence in the judiciary.

He, however, called on well-meaning citizens to demand accountability from those in power and insisted that the state must no longer settle for leadership that fails to act on critical issues.

Reacting, Mr Ajulo acknowledged the position of the opposition party, but said the government has embarked on a comprehensive assessment of all courts and office facilities under the justice sector’ in all the 18 local government areas of the state.

The AG, in a statement issued by his technical adviser, Yomi Adebayo, noted that his office had carried out an evaluation on the courtrooms to identify areas requiring government intervention and urgent attention.

“This inspection is critical, given the unpredictable challenges posed by the current rainy and windy season, as infrastructure can sometimes be compromised,” he said.