…….Calls for justice reforms at NBA law week finale
……..Judiciary Central to Survival of Democracy — Olanipekun
By Tolulope Eniola
Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has been conferred with the prestigious Grand Chancellor of Modern Democracy award, even as he renewed calls for far-reaching reforms in Nigeria’s justice system.
The honour was bestowed on the governor at the grand finale of the Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association, Okitipupa Branch, held in Akure on Wednesday.
Speaking, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the recognition as a call to greater service and responsibility, noting that leadership must be anchored on justice, fairness and accountability.
“This honour does not mark a destination; rather, it is a call to greater service,” he said, dedicating the award to God, his team and the people of Ondo State.
The governor used the occasion to advocate comprehensive reforms in the justice sector, stressing that Nigerians deserve a system that is accessible, efficient and impartial.
He noted that the current realities demand a justice system that is not delayed or selective, but one that truly serves the people.
According to him, the law must go beyond mere procedures to reflect the conscience of society, adding that justice should be practical and felt by the ordinary citizen.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also charged legal practitioners to uphold the highest standards of integrity, courage and professionalism, describing their role as critical in safeguarding democracy and protecting the rights of citizens.
He emphasised that the Bar and the Bench must continue to serve as the last hope of the common man, while also acting as a check against arbitrariness in governance.
The governor further highlighted ongoing efforts by his administration to strengthen judicial institutions in Ondo State, improve access to justice and build public trust in the legal system.
He noted that governance and the legal profession must work hand in hand, stressing that collaboration between both institutions remains vital to achieving sustainable development and deepening democracy.
Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, declared that the judiciary remains the cornerstone of any functional democracy, warning that the increasing resort to courts in resolving virtually all disputes, particularly electoral matters, poses a serious threat to the nation’s democratic stability.
Olanipekun, who spoke as Chairman at the event, emphasised that the theme, “Imperatives of the Judiciary in a Working Democracy The Common Law Jurisdiction and the Nigerian Experience,” strikes at the very heart of the rule of law and democratic governance.
He said the stability of any polity rests on an independent judiciary, noting that democracy and the rule of law are inseparable pillars that must be preserved.
The Chairman of the 2026 Law Week Planning Committee of the NBA, Okitipupa Branch, Dr Abdul-Kabir Olajide Ajana, SAN, called for greater support for the development of the branch, particularly in infrastructure and logistics.
He expressed appreciation for their presence and paid tribute to Olanipekun for his role in the establishment of the NBA Okitipupa Branch, recalling that he moved the motion for its recognition at the 1987 National Executive Committee meeting of the association held in Kaduna.
Ajana explained that the branch covers the southern senatorial district of Ondo State, including Okitipupa, Irele, Ilaje, Ese-Odo, and Odigbo local government areas, making it the largest NBA branch in the state by geographical spread.
In attendance were Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Olukayode Ajulo; traditional rulers including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; State Chairman of APC, Hon. Kolawole Babatunde; APC Chieftain, Chief Olusola Oke, among others.
In attendance were; Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Olukayode Ajulo; Traditional Rulers, including Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; State Chairman of APC, Hon. Kolawole Babatunde; APC Chieftain, Chief Olusola Oke, among others.
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