Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and granting full financial autonomy to the state’s judiciary, which he lauded for its “uncommon courage” in defending democracy during recent political turbulence.
Speaking on Monday at both the Thanksgiving Service and the Special Court Session marking the commencement of the 2025/2026 Legal Year, the governor declared that his government would not interfere with judicial processes and would institutionalise judicial independence.
The governor made history by becoming the first Ondo governor ever to attend the annual Legal Year court session, held at the High Court Complex in Akure, describing himself as a “proud beneficiary” of a “fair and fearless judiciary” following his own impeachment saga as deputy governor.
READ ALSO: Aiyedatiwa clears N2.4bn gratuity backlog for 2016, 2017 retirees
Aiyedatiwa assured the judicial community that the implementation of full financial autonomy for the third arm of government is being fast-tracked.
He disclosed that the committee responsible for finalising the framework is already established and vowed to approve its report immediately upon submission.
He noted that a similar autonomy arrangement has already been extended to the state legislature.
He also announced plans for the timely completion of the ultra-modern judicial complex under construction, which will be named after the late former governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, in recognition of his dedication to justice sector reforms.
The governor highlighted concrete steps taken to support the judiciary, including the appointment of additional judges and the approval of funds for the purchase of official vehicles for magistrates to boost efficiency.
Both the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo, commended Aiyedatiwa for his support, particularly for approving improved welfare packages for judges despite current economic challenges.
Justice Odusola reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to reform and innovation.
He announced plans to establish Small Claims Courts across the state to speed up the resolution of minor commercial disputes for traders and artisans.
Furthermore, he disclosed that the Ondo State Multi-Door Courthouse would soon be fully digitised and integrated into the state’s electronic platform, Ondo CoMiS.
Ajulo echoed the sentiment that autonomy is a cooperative mechanism for efficiency, not a source of conflict.
He revealed that two committees, chaired by the Secretary to the State Government and the Commissioner for Finance, are finalising the autonomy modalities.
Ajulo also highlighted other recent reforms, including the enactment of the Ondo State Property Protection and Documentation Law 2024 and the historic appointment of six new High Court judges, the first such expansion since 1976.
READ ALSO: Aiyedatiwa vows inclusive development, commends Tinubu’s reforms
Speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) chairmen, Omotola Odusola of the Okitipupa Branch lauded the judiciary’s technological innovations and called on the government to decentralise criminal trials handled by Amotekun to ensure fairness and adherence to jurisdictional rules.
The governor emphasised the necessity of synergy among the three arms of government to deliver justice and progress, stating that Order, Security, and Rule of Law are the core of his administration’s OUR EASE agenda.
