Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Wednesday, advocated for a fair, accessible and people-centred justice system, stressing that the rule of law must reflect the realities and expectations of ordinary citizens.
The governor made the call on Wednesday while speaking at the grand finale of the Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Okitipupa Branch, held at the Ojaja Park in Akure.
Governor Aiyedatiwa said the justice system must not be distant, delayed, or selective, noting that Nigerians deserve a system that is timely, impartial, and responsive to their needs.
According to him, the law should not merely exist as a set of rules, but must serve as the conscience of society and a tool for fairness and equity.
“The cry of the ordinary citizen is simple but powerful: let justice be real, let it be fair, and let it be felt,” he said.
The governor also assured legal practitioners that the courts in Okitipupa would be renovated, stating that, despite granting the judiciary full autonomy, the executive arm of government would oversee the renovations.
He emphasised the critical role of legal practitioners as both defenders of justice and protectors of the common man, urging members of the Bar and Bench to rise above personal interests and uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.
The governor noted that his administration in Ondo State has continued to pursue reforms aimed at strengthening judicial institutions, improving public trust, and ensuring that justice is accessible to all, regardless of status or circumstance.
He also highlighted the human dimension of legal practice, reminding lawyers that behind every case are real lives and consequences and called for a balance between legal reasoning and compassion.
Governor Aiyedatiwa further encouraged young lawyers to build their careers on discipline, character and ethical conduct, warning against the temptation of shortcuts in the profession.
He described the relationship between government and the legal profession as one of partnership, stressing that both must work together to promote good governance and uphold the rule of law.
The governor, who was honoured with a Special Recognition Award at the event, expressed gratitude for the honour, describing it as a call to greater service and responsibility.
He urged all stakeholders to remain committed to justice, truth, and service, noting that national development depends on the collective choices of citizens to stand against injustice and uphold what is right.
Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, declared that the judiciary remains the cornerstone of any functional democracy, warning that the increasing resort to courts in resolving virtually all disputes, particularly electoral matters, poses a serious threat to the nation’s democratic stability.
Olanipekun, who spoke as Chairman at the event, emphasised that the theme, “Imperatives of the Judiciary in a Working Democracy The Common Law Jurisdiction and the Nigerian Experience,” strikes at the very heart of the rule of law and democratic governance.
He said the stability of any polity rests on an independent judiciary, noting that democracy and the rule of law are inseparable pillars that must be preserved.
The Chairman of the 2026 Law Week Planning Committee of the NBA, Okitipupa Branch, Dr Abdul-Kabir Olajide Ajana, SAN, called for greater support for the development of the branch, particularly in infrastructure and logistics.
He expressed appreciation for their presence and paid tribute to Olanipekun for his role in the establishment of the NBA Okitipupa Branch, recalling that he moved the motion for its recognition at the 1987 National Executive Committee meeting of the association held in Kaduna.
Ajana explained that the branch covers the southern senatorial district of Ondo State, including Okitipupa, Irele, Ilaje, Ese-Odo, and Odigbo local government areas, making it the largest NBA branch in the state by geographical spread.
In attendance were Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Olukayode Ajulo; traditional rulers including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; State Chairman of APC, Hon. Kolawole Babatunde; APC Chieftain, Chief Olusola Oke, among others.