By Ayo Olowu

Ondo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo has restated the present administration’s commitment towards elevating and transforming the state’s justice sector.

Ajulo made the assertion in his speech at the special court session held to declare open the 2024/2025 Legal Year of the Ondo State Judiciary held at the Judiciary Headquarters in Akure on Monday.

The Commissioner who represented the State Governor, Honourable Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa at the event noted that the Aiyedatiwa- led administration is determined to promote a judiciary that is not only responsive, but also transformative, ensuring that Ondo State remains a beacon of legal excellence.

Ajulo affirmed that the
governor’s initiative seeing to the immediate award of contract for the construction of an Ultra-Modern and Multi- Billion Naira Judicial Complex will foster collaboration and innovations within the state’s legal system.

“Today, I see the judiciary as a working synergy of the Bench and Bar as they both join hands together in ensuring that justice flows to everyone in the society irrespective of class and socil standing.

“The recognition of the success of the past synergies has brought about the assurance of continuity of justice and I firmly believe exemplifies the purpose of our celebration.

“Today is equally symptomatic of, and is in fact a special day for the celebration of democracy as the judiciary is a fundamental component of a democratic state.

“I am therefore grateful to to the Almighty God for allowing us to gather here today to commemorate yet another legal year”, Ajulo said.

The Commissioner noted that he has always seen the marking of the legal year as a symbolic celebration which always brings to mind, the confidence reposed in the judiciary as the foremost institution responsible for guaranteeing justice.

He therefore averred that the maintenance, care and fine-tuning of the judicial institution is the primary duty of all stakeholders.

“The stake before the judiciary has always been the maintenance of its impartiality and in so as the confidence of the general society is concerned, it must be maintained.

“The maintenance of this confidence is what all the principles devised and adhered to in justice delivery is rooted”, Ajulo added.

The Commissioner commended the Chief Judge of the state, Honourable Justice Olusegun Odusola for his bravery and dedication to quick justice dispensation stressing that Justice Odusola’s patriotic actions and selfless service to Ondo State have not gone unnoticed.

He equally lauded all members of the Bench and Bar in Ondo State for their diligence, integrity and steadfast commitment to justice delivery.

Earlier in his speech, the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Honourable Justice Olusegun Odusola noted that the legal year celebrations serves as a period for the judicial officials to evaluate their service in the outgoing year and a poignant reminder of their collective duty to ensure that justice is done by all means.

Odusola commended the State Governor, Honourable Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for his unwavering commitment to justice and the rule of law which he affirmed has significantly bolstered the judiciary’s efforts in Ondo State.

“Through Governor Aiyedatiwa’s support for reforms and resource allocation, he has demonstrated profound understanding of the vital role that an independent and accessible judiciary plays in fostering societal Harmony and trust.

“As with all human endeavours, we passed through fair and inclement times. So as we reflect on the past year, we acknowledge the challenges we faced and the progress we made.

“We have navigated complex legal landscapes, adapted to evolving societal needs, and strived to ensure that justice remains accessible and equitable for all”, Odusola noted.

In a Legal Year message delivered on behalf of Chairmen of all branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Ondo State, the Chairman of the Ondo Branch of the association, Barrister Henry Akingbesote highlighted the commendable strides of the Ondo State Judiciary over the past legal year.

According to the legal practitioner, the judiciary’s steadfast commitment to upholding its constitutional Independence has reinforced public confidence in the judicial system and has also ensured the continued dispensation of justice without fear or favour.

Earlier at the Special Church Service held at The Cathedral Church of St.David, Anglican Communion, Ijomu, Akure, the Lord Bishop of Akoko Diocese, Anglican Communion, The Rt. Revd. Jacob Bada commended members of the Bench and Bar in Ondo State for their unflinching support for the Nigeria project through quick dispensation of justice.

While describing Judges as officials with divine understanding in view of their professional training and dedication to justice delivery, the Cleric noted that justice is not only to be done, but also to be seen to have been done.

Bada affirmed that the judiciary is the source of confidence and fearlessness for the citizens in view of its critical role as the guidance of the rule of law and justice, saying members of the Bench and Bar must rededicate themselves to upholding the rule of law always.