Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON, has been honoured with the prestigious Avant-Garde Award for Champions of Freedom by the Afro-American Avant-Garde Professionals in Kentucky, United States.
The award was presented during a special event at the Muhammad Ali Centre in Louisville, celebrating individuals whose work promotes justice, human rights and progressive governance across the world.
Dr. Ajulo was recognised for his longstanding commitment to human rights advocacy, defence of the rule of law, and his contributions to legal reform in Nigeria and the global community.
The ceremony was held in honour of the late boxing legend Muhammad Ali, whose legacy of courage, conviction and compassion continues to inspire global movements for justice and equality.
Guests at the event lauded Dr. Ajulo’s tireless efforts in advancing human dignity and strengthening institutions that support democratic values and inclusive governance.
The Ondo Attorney General, known for his civil rights activism and scholarly work, noted that his visit to Louisville coincided with a stopover to celebrate the historic Olugboja family of Ondo State while en route to the International Bar Association Conference in Canada.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Ajulo paid tribute to Muhammad Ali, describing him as “a true champion of champions whose voice, fists, and faith redefined freedom and courage for generations.”
He invited attendees to observe a minute of silence in honour of Ali, acknowledging Louisville as the boxer’s hometown and a global symbol of resilience and equality.
Dr. Ajulo dedicated the award to Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, whom he praised as “a true democrat whose administration upholds freedom, fairness, and dialogue as the pillars of governance.”
He said Governor Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to participatory governance, including the recent hosting of the South-West Engagement Summit, reflects a leadership style anchored on inclusivity and constructive engagement.
Dr. Ajulo also extolled President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for what he described as bold reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s economy, restoring institutional confidence, and pursuing genuine federalism.
He likened President Tinubu’s resilience in leadership to Muhammad Ali’s strength in the boxing ring, stressing that his policies seek to rekindle national hope and strengthen unity.
Delivering a keynote lecture titled “Tenacity, Competence, and Dedication: Lessons from Beethoven for Budding Lawyers and Professionals,” Dr. Ajulo drew parallels between the life of composer Ludwig van Beethoven and the perseverance required for excellence in law and public service.
He highlighted Beethoven’s rise from modest beginnings to global acclaim, noting that the composer’s resilience in the face of adversity offers profound lessons for aspiring professionals.
Dr. Ajulo urged participants to embrace tenacity competence, and moral courage in their careers, stressing the need for young lawyers and leaders to become champions of freedom in their own spheres of influence.