The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State, Dr Olukayode Ajulo SAN, has described Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as one of Nigeria’s foremost champions of the rule of law.
Ajulo said the Governor’s commitment to judicial independence, institutional reforms and access to justice has earned him national recognition among distinguished Nigerians contributing to the country’s development.
Speaking during a conversation with the Publisher of Daily Times Nigeria, Mr Fidelis Anosike, the Attorney-General highlighted Governor Aiyedatiwa’s unwavering commitment to judicial independence, constitutional governance and institutional reforms as qualities that make him eminently deserving of the historic recognition.
According to him, no nation can attain sustainable economic growth, attract meaningful investment or preserve democratic stability without a judiciary that is independent, adequately funded and institutionally respected.
Ajulo noted that Governor Aiyedatiwa has consistently demonstrated a clear understanding of this constitutional reality through deliberate policies aimed at strengthening the administration of justice in Ondo State.
Speaking on developments within the justice sector, Ajulo said the Governor has shown uncommon appreciation of the constitutional role of the judiciary by prioritising reforms that promote judicial autonomy, improve infrastructure, enhance the welfare of judicial officers and deepen institutional capacity.
His words: “Investment in the judiciary should never be regarded as expenditure; it is one of the most important investments any government can make in constitutional governance and the future of democracy.
“I say this with profound conviction because Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa understands this enduring constitutional philosophy. He appreciates that justice is not merely another arm of government but the moral and constitutional foundation upon which peace, development, public confidence and democratic legitimacy securely rest.”
Ajulo noted that the recognition recently conferred on Governor Aiyedatiwa by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Akure Branch, as an Ambassador of the Rule of Law was not accidental but a reflection of the Governor’s consistent commitment to strengthening judicial institutions and upholding constitutional governance.
According to him, “the honour underscores the growing appreciation within legal circles of the administration’s efforts to promote judicial independence, improve the welfare of judicial officers and create an environment where justice can flourish without interference.”
The Attorney General also stated that the Governor’s reforms have quietly positioned Ondo State among the leading states committed to strengthening the administration of justice and advancing the rule of law. He explained that a modern and efficient judiciary remains indispensable to economic prosperity, as investors commit resources only where contracts are enforceable, disputes are resolved fairly and efficiently, and the rule of law guarantees certainty and confidence.
“Economic prosperity and judicial efficiency are inseparable companions. Capital naturally flows to jurisdictions where justice is swift, contracts are respected, and the rule of law inspires confidence. Every courtroom strengthened ultimately strengthens the economy.” He said.
Ajulo noted that the true measure of judicial reform extends beyond physical infrastructure and technological improvements.
He said: “Beyond modern court facilities and improved infrastructure, my heart truly rejoices because the Judiciary in Ondo State today enjoys full autonomy; it’s unprecedented and it was pioneered by Gov. Aiyedatiwa.
“Also, the emoluments of Magistrates have been magnanimously increased while law to enhance their status and boost their morale are receiving the deserved attention. These are not loud political pronouncements; they are quiet constitutional reforms whose impact will endure long after the present administration has left office.
“Since the creation of Ondo State, the Ministry of Justice had operated with only one Permanent Secretary – the Solicitor-General. Recognising the strategic importance of the Ministry to the administration of justice and good governance, Governor Aiyedatiwa took the unprecedented step of increasing the number of Permanent Secretaries in the Ministry from one to three.
“In addition, his administration has, in recent times, recruited over forty lawyers into the State Public Service. These landmark interventions represent a historic investment in the justice sector and underscore the Governor’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the rule of law, enhancing institutional capacity and ensuring more effective service delivery.”
Ajulo maintained that every investment aimed at strengthening judicial independence ultimately strengthens democracy itself, adding that great societies are sustained by strong institutions rather than strong personalities.
Addressing concerns that such reforms could be politically motivated, the Attorney General maintained that constitutional governance requires governments to be assessed based on enduring achievements and measurable impact.
He said: “Where reforms improve access to justice, strengthen judicial institutions, increase judicial manpower, enhance the welfare of judicial officers and guarantee fairness for future generations, such initiatives transcend partisan politics. Good governance does not become less noble simply because it earns public approval.”
The Attorney-General said that history has always reserved its highest honours for leaders who build enduring institutions capable of serving society long after they have left office, noting that “history remembers neither the loudest politicians nor the most skilful tacticians but those who build institutions capable of serving society long after their names have faded from political office.”
Reaffirming the constitutional impartiality of his office, the Attorney General stressed that his assessment was founded on constitutional principles, measurable achievements and the public interest.
He said: “As the Attorney General, my allegiance is first to the Constitution and the rule of law. My duty is to determine whether governmental actions strengthen constitutional governance, reinforce judicial independence and advance the public good.
“Whenever those objectives are achieved, the ultimate beneficiaries are not politicians but the people. Governor Aiyedatiwa’s contributions to strengthening the justice sector make him deserving of every recognition that seeks to honour excellence in public service and institutional leadership.”
