The Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, on Wednesday said the judiciary remains a pivotal institution in the growth of sports, stressing that courts provide the legal backbone that guarantees accountability, protects athletes’ rights and resolves disputes beyond the reach of internal sporting bodies.
Justice Dipeolu stated this at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Kuto, Abeokuta, during a novelty football match between Ogun State Judiciary workers and members of the Nigerian Bar Association, organised as part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the Ogun State Judiciary.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Judge noted that although sports organisations often operate under self-regulatory frameworks, judicial intervention becomes inevitable when such mechanisms fail to uphold the principles of natural justice and fair play.
According to her, the role of the judiciary in sports development can be grouped into four broad areas: oversight of Sports Governing Bodies, protection of athletes’ rights, resolution of complex disputes and the promotion of an enabling legal environment.
She explained that courts serve as a check against arbitrariness and abuse of power by sports authorities, particularly where such bodies exercise monopolistic control over athletes’ careers.
“Courts ensure that Sports Governing Bodies act within their regulatory frameworks and do not abuse their powers over the livelihoods of athletes,” she said.
Justice Dipeolu added that judicial review has increasingly become necessary, especially where sports bodies perform public functions or receive significant government funding.
“In several landmark cases, courts have intervened to recommend structural governance reforms, including the imposition of age limits for officials and the separation of administrative and commercial responsibilities,” she noted.
The Chief Judge further described the judiciary as the “last hope” for athletes whose rights may be trampled upon by powerful federations, emphasising that courts safeguard fundamental rights such as dignity, physical wellbeing and protection from discrimination.
She said doctrines such as restraint of trade had historically been invoked by courts to nullify restrictive transfer systems that prevented athletes from freely pursuing employment opportunities.
Justice Dipeolu also stressed that while many sports disputes are resolved through private arbitration panels, including international bodies like the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the judiciary remains the ultimate authority on complex legal and constitutional matters.
According to her, courts interpret and enforce contracts relating to player transfers, broadcasting rights and sponsorship agreements, while also protecting intellectual property rights, trademarks and image rights within the sports industry.
She added that judicial pronouncements had helped clarify legal distinctions between games of skill and gambling, thereby providing clearer regulatory direction.
Highlighting local efforts, the Chief Judge said the Ogun State Judiciary had consistently promoted sports among its workforce through initiatives such as the annual Chief Judge’s Cup a football competition between lawyers and judiciary staff as well as table tennis, darts and Ayo Olopon contests.
She disclosed that her predecessor, Justice Olopade, established a sports arena at the Isabo High Court to encourage healthy living and foster camaraderie among judicial workers.
In the novelty football match that climaxed the event, the Ogun State Judiciary workers defeated the Nigerian Bar Association team by a lone goal scored by Fidelis Patrick.
The anniversary celebration continues with other activities aimed at strengthening institutional cohesion and promoting wellness within the justice sector.
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