The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State, Dr Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, has reiterated the State Government’s commitment to a rights-based approach to security operations.
Ajulo said this is in line with Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s vision of building a just, secure, and rights-respecting society.
He made this known on Monday in Akure during his opening remarks at a workshop themed “Building a Culture of Rights and Responsibility,” jointly organised by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Justice Development and Peace Centre (JDPC).
Dr Ajulo emphasised that the current security climate demands not only tactical readiness but also the integration of the rule of law, ethics, and human rights into security agencies’ daily operations.
“The demand for a security culture grounded in the rule of law, human dignity, and institutional accountability is no longer a noble ideal, it is a necessity.” The AG noted.
He commended the NSCDC in Ondo State for its dual role in protecting critical infrastructure and engaging with local communities, saying the Corps is well-positioned to bridge the gap between the public and the State’s security architecture. However, he urged that this role must be reinforced through internal accountability, continuous legal education, and adherence to constitutional provisions, particularly Sections 33 to 44 of the 1999 Constitution, which outline the rights of citizens.
Dr Ajulo further highlighted reforms undertaken under the Aiyedatiwa-led administration, including the provision of free legal services to indigent citizens via the Directorate of Citizens’ Rights, the activation of a dedicated Human Rights Desk, and the revised Administration of Criminal Justice Law which ensures due process in arrests, detention, and prosecution.
He called on NSCDC leadership to institutionalise human rights awareness and ethical standards at all operational levels, stressing that professionalism and respect for citizens are essential to effective security delivery.
“Let me be clear: respect for human rights is not a hindrance to effective security, it is the highest form of professionalism.” He said.
The Attorney General also appreciated the continued cooperation and collaboration of various security heads and their personnel across Ondo State, noting that such synergy is vital in advancing the State’s justice and security objectives.
He reaffirmed the Ministry of Justice’s readiness to support all security institutions through sustained collaboration, legal clarity, and policy alignment in pursuit of a more peaceful, just, and secure society.
