By Evelyn Omotoye
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The Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has assured the judiciary that his administration would continue to obey court orders to further strengthen justice  administration in the state.

Akeredolu stated this yesterday at the Chief Judge’s seminar series themed: “The Judiciary, An Instrument for advancing Socio-Economic Development” organised by the state Judiciary to mark the 2018/2019  Legal Year.

The governor who was represented by his deputy, Hon. Agboola Ajayi maintained that the role of the judiciary in advancing socio-economic development and sustaining the nation’s democracy cannot be overemphasized.

While noting that judiciary is the pillar of hope for the nation’s democracy to stand and thrive, Akeredolu stated that the need for government at all levels to key into the system in abiding by the constitution and laws of the land became imperative.

“I can assure you that Ondo State government would continue to obey the laws. Not just obey the law, but also see that we strengthen the institution so that we can have a better society”.

Akeredolu reiterated his administration’s commitment towards building virile legal system in the state, assuring the judiciary of the cooperation of the executive arm of the government.

The legal luminary said he has regards and lots of respect for the judiciary, promising that his government  will continue to give them free hand to operate in full capacity for the sake of truth, fairness and integrity.

The governor however charged legal practitioners in the state to uphold high level of professionalism in the fear of God and clear conscience  in discharging their duties.

He equally urged the members of the Bar and Bench to respect the constitution and give in their best to make a better society.

Ekiti CJ slams Fayose for building ‘absurd’ court complex

From Victor Akinkuolie,  Ado Ekiti

Barely one week of a change of baton in Ekiti State, the State Chief Judge, Justice Ayodeji Daramola, has slammed former Governor, Ayo Fayose for building a new court complex that was not properly designed for judicial purposes.

Justice Daramola described the new Ekiti State High Court complex said to have been commissioned amidst pomp and pageantry sometimes in the month of May this year as “a hybrid of absurdity.”

The alleged defective manner the new court complex was constructed, the Chief Judge said, was the reason why it had not been put to use since it was inaugurated five months ago.

Fayose named the complex after the pioneer Chief Judge of Ekiti State who is now the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba Ademola Ajakaiye.

The Chief Judge spoke on Tuesday at a special court sitting to mark the commencement of the 2018/2019 Legal Year of Ekiti State Judiciary held at High Court One.

A special church service had earlier been held at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel (Anglican Communion) to herald the beginning of a new legal year which was attended by the Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; the deputy governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi; his wife, Margaret; traditional rulers, judges, lawyers and judiciary workers.

The Chief Judge called on Fayemi to reconstruct the new High Court complex for the state Judiciary to put it into use for smooth dispensation of justice.

Justice Daramola said: “Since the creation of Ekiti State on 1st October, 1996, the Judiciary has suffered acute shortage of court halls and office accommodation.

“It is thanks to Mr. Ayodele Fayose’s administration that the problem is largely solved now with the construction of the Justice Ademola Ajakaiye House.

“As laudable as the new building is, it is still in a way, a hybrid of absurdity. In its present state, it can’t properly and comfortably function as court house as it was not properly designed for that purposes nor was it designed for administrative purposes.

“That of course is why we have not been able to put it into use since that building was commissioned earlier in the month of May this year.

“Our appeal now goes to the current administration of Dr. John Kayode Fayemi to come to our rescue in reconstructing the interior of the new building to enable us put it into appropriate use.”

Justice Daramola also advocated a better funding of the Judiciary for that arm of government to remain truly independent and better perform its constitutional roles.

The Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Mr. Olawale Fapohunda, advocated the support of the Bar to fight crime in the state and ensure that criminals are tried and convicted for the crime they commit.

At the church service, Anglican Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Christopher Omotunde, called on the concerned authorities to provide judges and other judicial officers with adequate security.

The bishop urged judicial officers to be above board, fearless and be guided by the fear of God in the discharge of their duties.