Ogun CJ Urges Magistrates to Prioritise Competence Over Promotion

The Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, has called on magistrates across Nigeria to strengthen their legal knowledge, improve their professional skills and remain committed to fair and effective justice delivery.

She gave the advice on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, while declaring open the National Convention of the Magistrates’ Association of Nigeria (MAN) at the Judiciary Complex in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Dipeolu stressed that magistrates must not allow expectations of promotion to the High Court to distract them from the duties of their current offices.

She noted that serving as a magistrate carries significant responsibility and should not be treated merely as a temporary stage before securing a higher judicial appointment.

According to her, magistrates can make a meaningful contribution to society by hearing cases fairly, applying the law correctly, managing court proceedings efficiently and delivering sound decisions.

The Chief Judge urged judicial officers to study decisions of superior courts, keep up with changes in legislation, sharpen their legal research skills and improve the quality of their judgments through regular training.

She also encouraged magistrates to adapt to technological changes affecting the justice system, particularly in cases involving online fraud, cybercrime, electronic transactions and digital evidence.

However, she warned that the use of technology must not undermine the right to a fair hearing, confidentiality, judicial independence or equal access to justice.

Dipeolu further advocated practical improvements in court administration, including better case management, proper record-keeping, punctuality and reducing unnecessary adjournments to speed up the resolution of cases.

She also called for stronger professional cooperation among magistrates and urged the association to pursue reforms that would improve career progression, training and coordination within the justice sector.

The convention, themed “Strengthening the Magistracy for Effective Justice Delivery through Capacity Building and Innovation,” runs from October 19 to 22, 2026.

The gathering is the association’s first national convention in a decade, following its previous edition in Rivers State in 2016. It is also expected to produce a new national executive committee to restore the association’s leadership structure.