Monarch donates court, health centre to Ogun govt

The Olofin of Isheri, Oba Sulaiman Bamgbade, Ayodele III, has handed over a newly built Isheri High Court to the Ogun State Government, in what he described as a contribution to strengthening the state’s justice delivery system.

The monarch said the gesture was driven by a desire to promote quicker access to justice and ease the workload of existing courts.

During the official handover, Oba Bamgbade explained that the judicial facility, which he singlehandedly built, represents his commitment to strengthening access to justice and ensuring that the people of Isheri and environs are better served by the rule of law.

In a statement on Friday signed by the Palace’s Office of Media and Publicity, the monarch stressed that a functional justice system was key to peace, order, and development in any society.

Justice and healthcare are the twin pillars of a thriving society. By handing over the Isheri High Court to the Ogun State Judiciary, we are strengthening access to justice for our people, who previously had to travel as far as Itori and Ifo,” the monarch said.

Aside from the PHC, the traditional ruler also inaugurated the 20-bed Renewed Hope Primary Healthcare Centre in Isheri Olofin as part of efforts to boost access to quality healthcare for residents.

The monarch said that the project was conceived to address the pressing medical needs of his people, particularly women, children, and the elderly.

Speaking at the unveiling as part of events to mark his 4th coronation anniversary, the monarch explained that the facility would provide affordable and accessible healthcare services, noting that primary healthcare remained the foundation of any functional health system.

He stressed that strengthening grassroots health facilities was critical to reducing avoidable deaths and the burden on tertiary hospitals.

According to him, the center would reduce the long distances my people travel to access medical care, while also creating a safer environment for maternal and child health in the area.

“With the commissioning of the Primary Healthcare Center, we are also prioritising the health and well-being of our people, because only a healthy community can truly prosper.

“This brings an end to our people having to leave their community in search of medical attention,” the monarch said.

Dignitaries at the event include the First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun; the Chief Judge of Ogun State,  Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, and the Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker.

Others are Member, House of Representatives (Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency), Hon. Tunji Akinosi, Member, Ogun State House of Assembly (Ifo II), Hon. Folawewo Salami, and the Executive Chairman, Ifo Local Government, Hon. Idris Kusimo. Also present were numerous traditional rulers, community leaders, and illustrious sons and daughters of Isheri.

On May 24, 2025, Oba Bamgbade appealed to the Lagos and Ogun State Governments, as well as the Federal Government, to support heritage initiatives that protect and promote the Awori history and identity.

The monarch also urged the government to support the kingdom in turning Isheri Olofin into a cultural tourism destination and a hub for economic empowerment.

Cupped from punch.