INVEST IN SELF-DEVELOPMENT, OGUN CJ CHARGES MAGISTRATES

The Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, has urged magistrates across Nigeria to invest in self-development, improve their professional skills and keep up with changes in the law to ensure better justice delivery.

Dipeolu gave the advice on October 20, 2026, while speaking at the opening of the National Convention of the Magistrates’ Association of Nigeria (MAN), held at the Ceremonial Court of the Judiciary Complex in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The convention focused on strengthening the magistracy through professional training, capacity building and innovation. 

The Chief Judge encouraged magistrates to regularly study judgments from higher courts, stay informed about new laws and improve their legal research and judgment-writing skills. She also urged them to participate in continuing judicial education programmes to strengthen their knowledge and competence.

According to Dipeolu, magistrates should not see their current positions merely as stepping stones to promotion to the High Court. Instead, she stressed that their present roles carry significant responsibilities and deserve the same level of commitment, regardless of future career opportunities.

She also highlighted the growing importance of technology in the justice system, noting that issues such as online fraud, cybercrime, electronic transactions and digital evidence are becoming increasingly common in court proceedings.

She encouraged magistrates to embrace appropriate technological tools, including electronic filing and digital case management, to improve efficiency and reduce delays. However, she cautioned that technology must not undermine fair hearings, judicial independence or access to justice. 

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he Chief Judge’s message comes as the judiciary faces growing demands for faster, fairer and more effective resolution of cases.

Her advice serves as a reminder that learning should remain a continuous process for judicial officers. By improving their knowledge, adapting to new developments and maintaining high professional standards, magistrates can strengthen public confidence in the justice system and help ensure that Nigerians receive fair and timely justice.