The Ogun State Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu has underscored the need for both the executive and legislative arms of government to collaborate and give priority to granting autonomy to the judicial arm.

Dipeolu made her views known at the 2021 Ogun State Judges' Conference with the theme; ‘The Challenges of the Judiciary in Contemporary Nigeria’, at the Judiciary Complex, Kobape, Abeokuta,

She noted that as the guardian and protector of fundamental human rights, as well as the arbiter of disputes among all levels of government, the judiciary ought to be independent to perform its functions without fear or favour.

In his presentation, the guest speaker, Dr. Muiz Banire pointed out that challenges confronting the contemporary judiciary calls for understanding the importance of the concept of the independence of judiciary, noting that it is only with the presence of an independent judiciary that the confidence of the public could be sustained in the administration of justice.

"Indeed, the doctrine of separation of powers is well entrenched in the constitutions of many nations of the world, and the reason being that powers should not be concentrated in one organ of government, so as to avoid arbitrariness and tyranny", Banire said.

Speaking, one of the discussants, Mr. Ebun Olu-Adegboruwa stated that the democratic system of government in the country basically operates through the Legislative, Executive and Judiciary, emphasising that the Judiciary was the closest and most accessible branch of government to the common man.

He added that being the stabiliser in a political system wherein it plays a divine role as the guardian and custodian of the constitution, the role of the Judiciary could not be underrated, noting that it is the only arm vested with the power to checkmate the other arms.