The University of Ilesa in Osun State received a significant boost on Wednesday following the donation of a moot court by Lady Otunba Osibogun, Group Independent Director of Odu’a Investment Company Limited. The facility was donated in honour of her late father, Chief David Olatunde Agbaje, and sited within the Faculty of Law.
The newly completed moot court, named after Chief David Olatunde Agbaje, was commissioned by the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, at the university’s law faculty.
In his remarks, Oba Haastrup described the gesture as unique and deeply impactful. He commended both the Agbeja and Osibogun families for their longstanding commitment to education and community development, urging other citizens of Osun State to emulate their dedication and spirit of service. The monarch further described the Agbeja family as a blessing not only to Ijesaland, but to the South West and Nigeria at large.
Speaking on the project, Lady Otunba Osibogun explained that her initial intention had been to build a law library, but the plan was disrupted by financial constraints years ago. She noted that after further consultation with the university, it became clear that a moot court would better serve the immediate needs of the Faculty of Law, leading to the project now completed.
She expressed joy that the facility will serve as a platform for training future lawyers, strengthening their advocacy skills, and preparing them for professional practice. She also described the University of Ilesa as a key catalyst for youth empowerment and the broader transformation of Ijesaland.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Taiwo Olufemi Ashaolu, while commending Otunba Ayodeji Osibogun and Lady Otunba Debola Osibogun for the donation, emphasized that funding tertiary education can no longer rest on government alone. He called for stronger collaboration from philanthropists, community stakeholders, and corporate organisations to ensure that institutions such as the University of Ilesa continue to grow and meet global standards.
Professor Ashaolu added that the moot court will significantly enhance advocacy training and the quality of legal education within the Faculty of Law.
