The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Ondo State, Dr Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, has disclosed that the state’s judicial sector is undergoing a transformative overhaul to position it as one of the leading states in innovating the justice system and security in Nigeria.

According to Ajulo, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration in the state is focused on further enhancing judicial efficiency and improving citizens’ access to justice through digital integration, repeal of outdated laws, among others.

While speaking with journalists during a media interaction in Akure, the state capital, over the strike embarked upon by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), the Chief Legal Officer of the state expressed optimism that the industrial action would soon be called off.

JUSUN had begun an indefinite strike a few days ago over the non-implementation of financial autonomy by the state government.

While stressing that the state government has not acted in bad faith nor shown disregard for the judiciary, Ajulo maintained that, on the contrary, the state has upheld the principles of the rule of law as well as opted for legal clarity rather than hasty and potentially unconstitutional action in response to the demand of JUSUN.

The Attorney-General revealed that Aiyedatiwa had already met with the leadership of the JUSUN over the development, with an agreement reached on a way forward to ensure that their demands are met.

He said, “There are critical ambiguities surrounding the implementation of the judgment on financial autonomy. This lack of clarity and the setting aside of some provisions of the Ondo State Judiciary Fund Management (Autonomy) Law, 2021, have led the government to seek judicial interpretation through a formal appeal, a necessary step to avoid missteps and ensure lawful compliance.

“This approach reflects a deeper commitment to enduring reform, institutional stability, and responsible governance, a path that ultimately benefits the entire justice system.

“Despite the ongoing legal appeal, we are fully conscious of the vital role judicial workers play and the necessity of resolving outstanding issues through dialogue. We have taken immediate steps to address the situation in a manner that will support the timely return of workers to their posts.”

Ajulo further stressed that “Ondo State, under Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has achieved remarkable milestones in transforming its justice sector through a range of targeted reforms, as well as forward-thinking policies.

“The state is launching an unprecedented digital legal resource platform and an electronic library that provides judges, magistrates, lawyers, and researchers with instant access to statutes, case law, and global legal literature. Complementing this is a swift case response and tracking mechanism that enhances the speed of case resolution.

On the proposed death penalty for convicted kidnappers, he emphasised that legislation aimed to review and update existing laws to reflect current realities by introducing stricter penalties that will serve as a strong deterrent against such crimes.

“Under the proposed law, penalties for cultism and kidnapping will be substantially increased. For instance, offences that previously attracted a six-year prison sentence may now carry a 21-year term, and in cases involving loss of life, the death penalty may apply. It also requires demolition of houses used for the nefarious crimes but after due process.”