By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The Chief Judge of Ogun State, Hon. Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, has underscored the pivotal role of the judiciary in advancing sports development through sound legal frameworks that ensure accountability, protect stakeholders’ rights and resolve disputes beyond the capacity of internal sporting mechanisms.

Justice Dipeolu spoke 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 (NBA), held as part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the Ogun State Judiciary.

She noted that although sports bodies largely operate self-regulatory systems, judicial intervention becomes inevitable when such frameworks fail to uphold the universal principles of natural justice and fair play.

According to her, the role of the judiciary in sports development can be classified into four broad areas: oversight of Sports Governing Bodies (SGBs), protection of athletes’ rights, resolution of complex disputes, and promotion of an enabling legal environment.

The Chief Judge stressed that the courts serve as a check on the powers of sports organisations to guard against arbitrariness and corruption, ensuring accountability through judicial review and governance reforms.

“Courts ensure that Sports Governing Bodies act within their regulatory frameworks and do not abuse their monopolistic powers over athletes’ livelihoods,” she said.

Justice Dipeolu added that in landmark cases, the judiciary had intervened to recommend structural reforms in governance models, including setting age limits for officials and delineating administrative and commercial functions.

She further described the judiciary as the “last hope” for athletes whose rights may be trampled upon by powerful federations.

“Courts safeguard fundamental rights, including dignity, physical well-being and protection against discrimination. Through doctrines such as restraint of trade, the judiciary has struck down excessively restrictive transfer systems that hinder athletes from seeking new opportunities.

“The judiciary also ensures that disciplinary measures, including doping sanctions, comply strictly with the rules of natural justice and fair hearing,” she stated.

While acknowledging that many sports disputes are resolved through private arbitration, including the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the Chief Judge maintained that the judiciary remains the ultimate arbiter in complex legal matters.

She explained that courts interpret and enforce intricate agreements covering player contracts, broadcasting rights and sponsorship deals, while also protecting the commercial value of sports through adjudication on image rights, trademarks and related matters.

Highlighting local efforts, Justice Dipeolu disclosed that the Ogun State Judiciary annually organises the Chief Judge’s Cup — a football contest between lawyers and judiciary workers — alongside table tennis, darts and Ayo Olopon competitions to promote healthy living.

She credited her predecessor, Hon. Justice Olopade, with establishing a sports arena at the Isabo High Court to encourage staff participation in sporting activities.

In the novelty football match that climaxed the event, Ogun State Judiciary Workers edged the NBA 1–0, courtesy of a lone strike by Fidelis Patrick.