By Yomisaint Adebayo
Ondo State continues to assert itself as a model of excellence in Nigeria’s justice sector through groundbreaking reforms, digital innovation, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law. From enhanced legal infrastructure to progressive policy implementation, Ondo State today stands tall as arguably the most advanced and forward-thinking justice system in the country, seamlessly blending legal tradition with 21st-century innovation to strengthen justice delivery and rebuild public trust.
A testament to this is the comprehensive transformation of the justice sector in just a few months since Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa assumed leadership of the state. Ondo State is home to one of Nigeria’s most digitally integrated justice systems, boasting a first-of-its-kind digital legal resource and a responsive electronic library that gives judges, magistrates, lawyers, and researchers instant access to statutes, case law, and global legal literature.
Beyond digitisation, the justice system in the state is reinforced by a swift response and tracking mechanism that ensures the timely resolution of cases, seamless documentation processes, and effective monitoring of judicial activities.
Recognising that infrastructure and technology alone are not enough, and to further cement its status as a reform-driven state, Ondo has amended the High Court statute to allow for the appointment of eleven additional judges, the most significant expansion of the bench since the state’s creation. This deliberate expansion of judicial personnel has significantly improved the speed, efficiency, and effectiveness of the justice sector, ensuring that access to justice is not only timely but also equitable. The result is a transparent, responsive, and people-centred system that aligns with international best practices and strengthens public confidence in the rule of law.
The government has also revitalised the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) framework to ease the burden on courts while promoting amicable settlements. The enactment of the anti-land grabbing law and the inauguration of its task force have further reinforced the rule of law and property rights, sending a clear message against impunity.
Another major highlight of Ondo State’s justice sector reform is the ongoing construction of the expansive Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Judiciary Complex, one of the most ambitious judicial infrastructure projects in the country. Situated on 13 hectares of land, the complex will house 14 fully equipped courtrooms, ceremonial halls, a digital resource centre, administrative offices, and ample public amenities. This strategic investment not only expands judicial capacity but also reflects the government’s long-term commitment to institutional efficiency, access to justice, and architectural excellence.
This project complements Ondo State’s digital justice drive and will significantly reduce case backlogs, improve working conditions for judicial officers, and enhance public access to justice. It exemplifies the Aiyedatiwa-led administration’s integrated approach, combining technology, personnel expansion, and physical infrastructure, to position Ondo State as the nation’s benchmark for a modern, inclusive, and efficient justice system.
These reforms are not accidental. They reflect deliberate planning and focused execution under the leadership of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and the stewardship of the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON. Since assuming office, Dr. Ajulo has demonstrated unwavering dedication to institutional reform, legal precision, and policy clarity. He has worked with stakeholders to overhaul outdated frameworks, foster efficiency within the justice sector, and deepen respect for the rule of law across all tiers of governance.
Under the strategic leadership of Dr. Ajulo, the Ministry of Justice has also adopted a forward-looking approach to criminal records management and offender profiling, aligning enforcement mechanisms with modern governance standards and data-driven decision-making. His commitment to the advancement of justice and good governance did not begin with his appointment as Attorney General. Long before assuming office, he had been a consistent and respected voice in Nigeria’s legal community, championing constitutionalism, institutional reform, and the supremacy of the rule of law. His public commentaries and legal writings have consistently emphasised the importance of a justice system built on integrity, collaboration, and due process. He has advocated for strategic engagement between legal institutions and government, anchored on legal clarity, mutual respect, and long-term sustainability.
In his current role, Dr. Ajulo has continued to demonstrate this principled approach, especially in his interpretation and application of constitutional provisions related to justice administration. He has combined legal scholarship with practical governance to enhance the coherence and functionality of the justice sector. His emphasis on clarity, equity, and institutional coordination has guided key policy decisions, ensuring that justice reforms are not only legally sound but also responsive to the needs of the people. His approach reflects a deep understanding that effective justice delivery requires both legal precision and systemic balance, values that have become hallmarks of his time as Ondo AG.
What sets Ondo apart is not just the presence of policies, but the consistency in leadership and intentionality of governance. The Aiyedatiwa-led administration has enshrined the rule of law as a governance standard, ensuring that all executive actions, reforms, and service delivery mechanisms are legally grounded and ethically defensible. From improved access to justice in rural communities to continued training of legal officers and digitisation of legal archives, every initiative speaks to a strategic vision aimed at making justice accessible, modern, and reliable.
In a country where public confidence in institutions is often eroded by inefficiency or political interference, Ondo State under Governor Aiyedatiwa has restored trust in the state’s legal process. It has done so by ensuring that the rule of law is not treated as an abstract principle but as a practical tool for governance, conflict resolution, and economic development.
The justice sector reforms in Ondo State are proof that with visionary leadership, technical competence, and a commitment to principle, even the most entrenched challenges can be overcome. As Nigeria continues to seek models of effective governance and institutional strength, Ondo State stands as a living example of what is possible when legality and innovation go hand in hand.
Under the guidance of a visionary leader like Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the stewardship of Dr. Ajulo, the future of justice in Ondo State, and indeed the country, is not just promising, it is already unfolding.
_Yomisaint is Technical Adviser to the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ondo State_
