Ondo’s new judiciary complex ready in december – Aiyedatiwa

….Gov reaffirms judicial independence, pledges better welfare, infrastructure

……Ondo to get 10-year justice sector development plan –Ajulo

By Tolulope Eniola

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial independence, improved welfare for judicial officers and better infrastructure, declaring that no individual should be above the law.

Governor Aiyedatiwa spoke on Monday at a special church service and thanksgiving and special court session to mark the commencement of the 2026/2027 legal year of the Ondo State Judiciary at St David’s Cathedral, Ijomu, Akure.

He stressed that access to justice must not depend on wealth or social status, insisting that the poor and vulnerable must be able to approach the courts without fear or intimidation.

Quoting Amos 5:24, the governor said: “But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.”

He added: “Justice should be a sustainable assurance to the weak, the vulnerable and the ordinary citizen. A society becomes truly just when the poor can approach the courts without fear, when the weak can seek redress without intimidation and when the powerful understand that no individual stands above the law.”

Describing the Ondo State Judiciary as “the true last hope of the common man”, Governor Aiyedatiwa commended the Chief Judge, Justice Olusegun Ayedun Odusola, other judges, magistrates and the entire judicial workforce for their commitment to justice.

He also praised the Nigerian Bar Association for its contributions to preserving constitutional democracy.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s respect for the separation of powers, saying the constitutional arrangement was designed to promote accountability, mutual respect and effective governance rather than rivalry among the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary.

“Let me reiterate that our administration values and respects the principle of separation of powers. We acknowledge that the principle is not an invitation to institutional rivalry, but a cherished constitutional arrangement structured to promote accountability, mutual respect and effective governance among the three arms of government: the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary,” he said.

He noted that despite their distinct responsibilities, the three arms of government share the obligation to serve the people and uphold the Constitution.

Governor Aiyedatiwa pledged continued government support for judicial independence through constructive collaboration, improved working conditions, better infrastructure and the provision of an enabling environment for judicial officers to discharge their responsibilities efficiently.

The governor reiterated his commitment to the separation of powers, mutual institutional respect and judicial independence, noting that the three arms of government were not competing entities struggling for supremacy but complementary institutions with distinct responsibilities in the service of the people.

Describing justice as a solemn moral responsibility, he said judicial officers must be guided by integrity, compassion and the fear of God.

On the new judiciary complex, Governor Aiyedatiwa apologised that the facility was not ready for the current legal year celebration but assured the judiciary that the project remain within its stipulated completion period.

He expressed confidence that the complex would be completed by December.

“I can guarantee you that by the time you will be celebrating the legal year 2027/2028, that complex will be made ready and that will be the most beautiful judiciary complex in Nigeria,” he said.

In his welcome address, the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, urged judicial officers to remain impartial, diligent, transparent and faithful to the law as the 2026/2027 legal year began.

He said the new legal year offers an opportunity to renew their commitment to justice, reflect on the judiciary’s history and face the future courageously.

“Fifty years of judicial history is not merely a reason to celebrate the past; it is a call to greater responsibility,” he said.

Odusola called for a more accessible, efficient and technologically responsive judiciary, expressing hope that it would uphold constitutionalism, defend the vulnerable and inspire public confidence.

While praying for a successful legal year and God’s blessings on the judiciary, Ondo State and Nigeria, he appreciated the State Government for the welfare packages and the addition of five more judges in the state.

At the special court session marking the 2026/2027 legal year in Akure, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, unveiled a 10-year justice sector development plan covering 2026 to 2036, with Ondo State as the pilot jurisdiction.

Ajulo said the 20-pillar plan would address judicial infrastructure, digital justice, case backlogs, legal aid, professional welfare and legislative reform.

He highlighted judicial financial autonomy, improved remuneration for magistrates and the ongoing construction of the judiciary complex.

As the judiciary marked 50 years, he urged collaboration without interference.

Earlier, in his exhortation, the Bishop of Ondo Diocese and Supervisory Bishop of Akure Diocese, Rt Rev. Dr Stephen Adeniran Oni, warned against a justice system in which the wealthy enjoys favourable treatment while the poor faces a different standard.

He said the credibility of the judiciary depends on the integrity of its decisions rather than merely the authority of its pronouncements.

The cleric urged judicial officers to use the new legal year as an opportunity for professional renewal and ethical reflection, stressing that those entrusted with interpreting the law remain accountable to God, regardless of their positions.
In attendance were the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji, represented by his deputy, Rt Hon Ololade Gbegudu; the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola; the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; the Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; the Head of Service, Chief Segun Odusanya; the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Olukayode Ajulo; the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Mr Segun Omoyofunmi; the State Coordinator of Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Rt Hon Victor Olabimtan; the Director-General of OSRC Media Group, Mr Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson; traditional rulers and political appointees.