By our Reporter
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, of Ondo State has assured that the state’s new judiciary complex will be completed by December, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to judicial independence, improved welfare for judicial officers and better infrastructure.
Aiyedatiwa gave the assurance on Monday during a special church service, thanksgiving and court session marking the commencement of the 2026/2027 legal year of the Ondo State Judiciary at St David’s Cathedral, Ijomu, Akure.
The governor apologised that the complex was not ready for the current legal year celebration but expressed confidence that the project would be completed within the stipulated period.
“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.
Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s respect for the independence of the judiciary and the constitutional principle of separation of powers, stressing that the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary were complementary institutions with distinct responsibilities in serving the people.
He maintained that access to justice should not depend on wealth or social status, insisting that the poor and vulnerable must be able to seek redress 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 that justice should provide a reliable safeguard for ordinary citizens and ensure that nobody, regardless of status or influence, was above the law.
Describing the judiciary as “the true last hope of the common man,” Aiyedatiwa commended the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Ayedun Odusola, other judges, magistrates and judicial workers for their dedication to justice. He also acknowledged the Nigerian Bar Association’s contribution to sustaining constitutional democracy.
The governor pledged continued support for judicial independence through improved working conditions, better infrastructure and an enabling environment for judicial officers to perform their duties effectively.
In his welcome address, the Chief Judge, Justice Odusola, urged judicial officers to remain impartial, diligent and transparent in the discharge of their responsibilities as the new legal year commenced.
He described the judiciary’s 50-year history as both a milestone and a call to greater responsibility, urging stakeholders to work towards a more accessible, efficient and technologically responsive justice system.
“Fifty years of judicial history is not merely a reason to celebrate the past; it is a call to greater responsibility,” Odusola said.
The Chief Judge appreciated the state government for its welfare packages and the appointment of five additional judges, expressing hope for a successful legal year.
Also speaking, 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 serving 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 also highlighted judicial financial autonomy, improved remuneration for magistrates and the ongoing construction of the new judiciary complex.
Earlier, 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 received preferential treatment while the poor faced a different standard.
He said the credibility of the judiciary depended on the integrity of its decisions, urging judicial officers to use the new legal year for professional renewal and ethical reflection.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Ololade Gbegudu; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; members of the State Executive Council; judicial officers; traditional rulers and other dignitaries.
