The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo (OON, SAN), has commended the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing him as a man of integrity, intellect, and commitment to the rule of law and democracy.
Ajulo, in a congratulatory message personally signed by him, said Professor Amupitan’s appointment was a well-deserved call to national service and a reaffirmation of the Federal Government’s confidence in his proven record of excellence and incorruptibility.
He also lauded Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for supporting the nomination, describing it as an act of statesmanship and a demonstration of the state’s commitment to credible democratic governance.
Reflecting on his personal experience as one of Amupitan’s former students at the University of Jos, Ajulo recalled how his mentor’s teaching “depth, clarity, and brilliance” inspired generations of legal scholars and shaped his own understanding of justice, fairness, and governance.
“Professor Amupitan’s ability to distil complex legal doctrines into accessible wisdom strengthened my belief in the rule of law and participatory democracy,” Ajulo stated.
He described the new INEC Chairman as an exemplar of ethical leadership whose humility, discipline, and consistency continue to inspire the legal community.
Ajulo traced Amupitan’s career trajectory from academia to national service, highlighting his roles as Head of the Department of Public Law, Dean of the Faculty of Law, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos.
Beyond the university, Amupitan has served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, a member of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, and the Council of Legal Education between 2008 and 2014.
A distinguished scholar and prolific author, Amupitan was conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2014. He has published several works, including Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008), Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008), and Principles of Company Law (2013), which are widely used in academic and professional circles.
Ajulo also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he called a demonstration of visionary leadership, noting that the appointment reflects the President’s commitment to merit, competence, and institutional integrity.
“President Tinubu has once again shown discernment and courage in identifying excellence where it resides. Entrusting INEC to the capable hands of Professor Amupitan underscores his commitment to credible elections and national progress,” Ajulo said.
He further praised the National Council of State for unanimously endorsing Amupitan’s nomination, describing it as a collective effort to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Expressing confidence in the new INEC Chairman, Ajulo said, “Under Professor Amupitan’s leadership, Nigeria will witness a new dawn of transparency, credibility, and efficiency in its electoral system.”
He concluded by expressing optimism that Amupitan’s tenure would restore public confidence in INEC and uphold the sanctity of the people’s will, adding that his appointment marks a defining moment for Nigeria’s democracy.
