… Justice sector reforms will strengthen rule of law – Aiyedatiwa

… Ajulo honours five Justice Ministry staff with N1m each

The Ondo State government has disclosed that it has undertaken far-reaching justice sector reforms aimed at strengthening judicial capacity, expanding access to justice and entrenching the rule of law.

Speaking at the Post-NBA Conference Knowledge-Cascading and Interactive Session held at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office in Akure, the state capital, Aiyedatiwa revealed that his administration amended the law increasing the number of High Court Judges from 24 to 35, which he stressed as the first such increase since the creation of Ondo State in 1976.

The governor also disclosed that the state has facilitated the employment of 44 additional lawyers into the State’s legal service as well as approved a review of magistrates’ remuneration.

He emphasised other interventions to include the establishment of an Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force, which the governor described as one of the most impactful initiatives of his administration.

He further disclosed that in May 2026, the Ondo State House of Assembly passed amendments to the Ondo State Law Commission Law, 2001 and the Ondo State Office of the Public Defender Law, 2024, designed to strengthen the administrative and institutional structures of the two agencies and improving access to justice for indigent and vulnerable citizens.

He said: “Ondo State is governed by the rule of law, and not by whims and caprices. We believe that government must operate within the framework of the law, institutions must be respected, and every citizen, irrespective of status, must have confidence that justice, fairness and due process will prevail.”

He charged law officers to see themselves not merely as government employees but as custodians of justice and advisers to government, urging them to advise fearlessly, professionally and objectively while defending the legitimate interests of the state in a manner consistent with law, justice and the public interest.

“Can a poor citizen obtain justice? Can a victim obtain timely redress? Can a defendant receive a fair hearing? Can a business rely on the rule of law? Can government institutions obey court orders? Can lawyers discharge their duties without compromising professional ethics? These are the questions that should guide our continued reform efforts.

“Raising the Bar must mean raising the standard of professional conduct. It must mean raising the quality of legal research, advocacy and drafting. It must mean raising the speed and efficiency of justice delivery. It must mean raising the level of respect for the rule of law. It must mean raising the standard of service rendered by every officer of the Ministry of Justice. And importantly, it must mean raising the confidence of the ordinary citizen in the justice system,” he stated.

On his part, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo SAN, described the theme “Raising the Bar” as not merely a slogan but a challenge and a commitment, stressing that knowledge acquired at the NBA conference must become institutional intelligence and ultimately produce results.

Ajulo disclosed that the Ministry has elevated the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ARD), referring matters involving government agencies to ADR and Multi-Door Courthouses, and has become more rigorous in vetting government contracts, agreements and memoranda of understanding to protect the interests of the state.

He revealed that the Ministry has stopped the practice of contracts being presented for execution by persons without lawful authority, adding that the Ministry now verifies authority, identity and capacity through corporate documents and records lodged with the Corporate Affairs Commission.

The Attorney-General honoured five individuals in the Ministry with one million naira each over what he described as their outstanding performance.

Ajulo stated that Ondo State stands firmly against corruption in all its forms, declaring that public office is a trust and not a private opportunity, and that no person, however powerful or connected, should consider himself above the law.

Responding to criticisms that he acts as a spokesperson for government, the Attorney-General defended his role as legal adviser to the state, stating that the Government of Ondo State and its agencies are his clients in his official capacity, and the Governor is the Client-in-Chief.

“Who else should plead the case of a client than the client’s lawyer? When the State is attacked, we must defend the State. When government action is lawful, we must explain and defend its legality. Our client is not a political party. Our client is the State and its lawful institutions. Our allegiance is ultimately to the Constitution, the law, the public interest and the enduring interests of Ondo State,” he said.

The Acting Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry and Chairman of the Planning Committee, Olubunmi Niyi-Arajuwa Esq, said the programme was designed to cascade knowledge from the NBA Annual General Conference and move from professional conversations to practical improvements in daily work.

Justice Gboyega Adebusoye, who represented the Chief Judge of Ondo State, commended the Attorney-General for the innovations introduced to the Ministry of Justice.