By Hon. Comrade James Onifade 
By: Hon. Comrade James Onifade
I write as a concerned citizen
and a stakeholder in Nigeria’s democratic process to respectfully draw your attention to the troubling delay in the issuance of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling delivered on December 5, 2025, concerning the ownership and administration of Local Governments in Osun State.
The Importance of Timely Access to Judicial Decisions
The Supreme Court, as the apex court of our nation, serves as the final arbiter of constitutional matters and the guardian of our democratic institutions. When judgments are delivered, particularly on matters of significant public interest such as local government autonomy and ownership, timely access to the full written judgment is not merely a procedural formality—it is fundamental to the rule of law.
The Certified True Copy serves multiple critical purposes:
1. Implementation of Justice: Parties to the case require the CTC to understand the full scope of the court’s decision and to commence implementation of the ruling.
2. Transparency and Accountability: Citizens have a right to scrutinize the legal reasoning behind decisions that affect governance structures and the use of public resources.
3. Legal Certainty: Legal practitioners, scholars, and lower courts need access to the full judgment to understand its implications for similar cases and constitutional interpretation.
4. Democratic Governance: Local government matters directly affect millions of Nigerians at the grassroots level. Delays in clarifying their status create governance vacuums and uncertainty.
It has now been eleven days since the Supreme Court delivered its ruling on the Osun Local Government ownership matter. Despite the passage of this time, the Certified True Copy of the judgment remains unavailable to the parties and the public.
This delay is particularly concerning given:
• The constitutional significance of the matter involving local government autonomy
• The urgent need for implementation of whatever directives the court may have issued
• The potential for continued administrative confusion in Osun State
• The public interest in understanding the legal principles established by the ruling
We note that while some delay in preparing comprehensive written judgments is understandable, eleven days represents a significant period, especially in matters of urgent public importance. In jurisdictions with efficient judicial systems, efforts are made to expedite the availability of judgments in constitutional matters.
The Nigerian judiciary has previously demonstrated its capacity to act with dispatch when circumstances demand. We respectfully submit that matters affecting the governance of an entire state and the welfare of millions of citizens should be treated with similar urgency.
The Cost of Delay
Every day that passes without access to the full judgment creates:
• Administrative Uncertainty: Local government officials, state government representatives, and citizens remain unclear about their rights and obligations.
• Potential for Conflict: Without clarity on the legal position, disputes may escalate unnecessarily.
• Erosion of Public Confidence: Delays in accessing judicial decisions can foster suspicions and undermine faith in the justice system.
• Implementation Challenges: Parties can not begin to comply with or implement the court’s directives without knowing their full extent.
I therefore respectfully request that Your Lordship:
1. Expedite the preparation and issuance of the Certified True Copy of the December 5, 2025 judgment on Osun Local Government ownership.
2. Provide clarity on the procedures and timeline for obtaining the CTC.
3. Consider establishing clearer protocols for the expedited release of CTCs in matters of urgent public importance.
4. Where possible, make the judgment available through electronic means to ensure wider access and transparency.
Conclusion
I am making this appeal not in criticism but in the spirit of constructive engagement with our judicial institutions. We recognize the heavy burden placed on the Supreme Court and the dedication of its staff.
However, we believe that the timely availability of judicial decisions is essential to the effective administration of justice and the maintenance of public trust in our legal system.
The matter of local government ownership in Osun State affects the lives and livelihoods of millions of Nigerians. They deserve prompt clarity on the legal position. We trust in Your Lordship’s commitment to justice and transparency, and we hope for a swift resolution to this matter.
I remain committed to the rule of law and the continued integrity of Nigeria’s judicial system.
Hon. Comrade James Onifade
An Advocate for Good Governance and Better Judicial System
Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin