…unveils plan for judicial complex in honour of late Akeredolu
By Fisayo Akinduro & Ayodele Popoola
Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to uphold the rule of law and grant financial autonomy to the judiciary, describing the arm as a pillar that rescued democracy in the state during its most turbulent moments.
Speaking on Monday at the Thanksgiving Service and Special Court Session marking the commencement of the 2025/2026 Legal Year of the Ondo State Judiciary, the governor said his government would not only respect judicial independence, but also institutionalise it through full autonomy.
The Thanksgiving Service was held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Jesus House, Oke-Ijebu, Akure, while the Special Court Session took place at the High Court Complex, Akure.
Aiyedatiwa said the event was a reminder of God’s grace and the indispensable role of justice in promoting peace and order.
He said, “The judiciary in Ondo State has remained a stabilising force in our democracy. At a time when our democracy was tested, the judiciary rose with uncommon courage, upholding the truth.
“Standing before you today, I am a proud beneficiary of that courage, a product of a fair and fearless judiciary.”
The governor noted that his administration had begun the process of implementing full judicial autonomy, stressing that the committee responsible for finalising the framework had been set up.
“The autonomy of the judiciary is not being delayed by me. The committee to finalise the process has been established. Once their report is ready, I’ll approve it immediately, there’s ink in my red biro,” he declared.
He added that the same arrangement had already been implemented for the legislature, which now receives direct monthly allocations without seeking approvals from the executive.
Reaffirming his stance on judicial independence, Aiyedatiwa said his government would continue to respect court rulings and never interfere in judicial processes.
“As a government, we shall continue to accord the judiciary its deserved honour. Justice remains the foundation of our OUR EASE agenda, where ‘O’ represents Order, Security and Rule of Law,” he said.
The governor also unveiled plans for an ultra-modern judicial complex to be named after the late Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, in recognition of his lifelong commitment to justice and reforms in the sector.
“Our administration is building a befitting judiciary complex to honour our late leader, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who lived and died for justice and fairness,” Aiyedatiwa declared.
He disclosed that his government had appointed additional judges and approved the purchase of official vehicles for magistrates to enhance efficiency.
“Approval has been given for magistrates’ vehicles, but there was an error in the initial documentation. I’ve directed that it be corrected and revalidated this week,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa made history at the event as the first governor in the state’s history to attend the annual Legal Year court session.
“I’m known for breaking records, from scoring the highest number of votes ever recorded in Ondo governorship history to now becoming the first governor to join the judiciary in a court session,” he said to the applause of the audience.
Reflecting on his political journey, Aiyedatiwa recalled how the judiciary rescued him during his impeachment saga as deputy governor, affirming that he remains a direct beneficiary of its independence.
He emphasised the importance of harmony among the three arms of government to ensure justice and good governance, adding, “The three arms must work in synergy to deliver fairness and progress to our people.”
The Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to reform, innovation and accountability.
Justice Odusola announced plans to establish Small Claims Courts across the state to fast-track the resolution of minor commercial disputes, particularly among traders and artisans.
He disclosed that the Ondo State Multi-Door Courthouse would soon be fully digitised and integrated into the state’s electronic platform, Ondo CoMiS, to enhance transparency and efficiency.
The CJ also pledged to complete the ongoing Judiciary Village project and strengthen e-Filing, e-Affidavit and online mediation systems for technology-driven justice delivery.
In his address, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, commended the judiciary and the Bar for their resilience, stressing that autonomy was not a conflict but a cooperative mechanism for efficiency.
Ajulo revealed that two committees chaired by the Secretary to the State Government and the Commissioner for Finance were already finalising the modalities for full autonomy.
He highlighted reforms under the Aiyedatiwa administration, including the enactment of the Ondo State Property Protection and Documentation Law 2024, the establishment of the Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force, and the appointment of six new High Court judges, the first expansion since 1976.
Ajulo also praised the governor’s respect for judicial rulings and approval of improved welfare packages for judges despite economic challenges.
He announced plans to introduce a Justice Consultative Forum and an annual Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Attorney General’s Dinner to foster closer collaboration between the Bar and the Ministry.
Speaking on behalf of NBA chairman in the state, the Chairman of the NBA Okitipupa Branch, Omotola Odusola, applauded the judiciary’s technological innovations but lamented the poor state of some courts, particularly the Okitipupa High Court destroyed during the #EndSARS protests.
He urged the government to expedite the release of funds for magistrates’ vehicles and decentralise criminal trials handled by Amotekun to ensure fairness and jurisdictional compliance.
“The judiciary is not an appendage of the executive. To neglect it, is to endanger democracy itself,” he warned.
Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; traditional rulers, and several Senior Advocates of Nigeria.