The Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Lekan Ogunmoye, has called for wider access to justice and the protection of fundamental rights.

He made the call while commissioning the Wole Olanipekun Human Rights Centre in Ikere-Ekiti. He described the facility as a major boost to access to justice.

The centre, donated by legal luminary and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Wole Olanipekun, is located within the premises of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikere Branch.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ogunmoye said the human rights office would serve as a sanctuary for vulnerable members of society, including widows, detainees and indigent citizens seeking justice.

He noted that the centre would provide pro bono legal services, advocacy and rights protection, ensuring that access to justice is practical and not merely theoretical.

The Chief Judge commended Olanipekun for his continued contributions to the legal profession and community development, recalling his earlier donation of an ultra-modern High Court Complex in Ikere-Ekiti, commissioned in 2023.

According to him, while the court complex strengthened the judiciary, the new human rights centre complements it by empowering both lawyers and citizens to pursue justice effectively.

“While the High Court Complex strengthened the seat of judgment, this Human Rights Centre strengthens the voice that seeks judgment. Together, they complete the circle of justice; one delivers it, the other equips its defenders,” he said.

He added that the facility would translate the ideals of justice into tangible support for the less privileged, ensuring that the poor and vulnerable have access to legal representation and protection.

The Chief Judge also urged other NBA branches across the country to emulate the initiative by establishing similar centres, legal aid clinics and law libraries through partnerships with stakeholders.

Dignitaries at the event praised Olanipekun’s commitment to the rule of law and social justice, calling on other well-meaning Nigerians to support initiatives that promote human rights.

In his remarks, Olanipekun, who is also the Asiwaju of Ikere-Ekiti and was represented by Adeola Omotunde (SAN), emphasised that the defence of human rights remains central to democratic development.

He stated that the centre would serve as a hub for legal aid, public enlightenment, conflict resolution and other justice-driven interventions, particularly for vulnerable citizens.