One cannot truly understand the importance of government except a critical look is taken at the description of the Hobbesian state of nature where life is solitary, nasty, poor, brutish and short. The English philosopher opined that a civilized society is only possible when individuals enter into a social contract where all rights, privileges, strength, power and sanctions are transferred to one sovereign entity which serves as limitations to the full exercise of individual’s discretional control over others.
Just yesterday, in what looked like an appraisal of the activities of the Ministry of Justice under the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the state, Dr Kayode Ajulo, SAN, OON, who proudly reeled out his achievements, challenges and prospects. In fact, he echoed that the Ministry of Justice encountered daunting challenges at the beginning but all storms were weathered to birth significant strides. In getting things done properly, Dr Ajulo acknowledged the guiding hand and unwavering support of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.
Aside Governor Aiyedatiwa’s heavy investment in delivering a befitting judicial complex, a project which he has named after his late boss, Arakunrin Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, billed to be completed in few months to come, Governor Aiyedatiwa has revolutionized the administration of Justice in the state through the ingenuity of the Commissioner for Justice by introducing innovative concepts while revitalizing leadership within key departments of the Ministry.
Amending the High Court Statute to allow an additional eleven judges remains a beautiful step towards enhancing the functionality of the judiciary. In the same vein, Aiyedatiwa made history in the appointment of six new Judges. This remains a milestone that has never been achieved since the creation of the state.
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to the sanctity of the law spurred him to employ legal officers whose expertises are needed to efficiently drive workable measures in achieving the desired judicial goals for the state. This is in addition to providing a conducive environment for law officers, increased budgetary allocation, adequate logistics to ease court representation etc. It is safe to say that Governor Aiyedatiwa made everything available for the laws to work for the people of Ondo state.
Hear the commendation of Ajulo:
“Our renewed advocacy for increased budgetary allocations has yielded promising results, enabling us to direct more resources into enhancing justice and legal services. As a result, our colleagues now receive the respect and recognition they rightfully deserve, particularly with the recent enactment of legislation against land-grabbing. We have also prioritized the welfare of our entire staff, leveraging both public allocated funds and our private resources to ensure their well-being, understanding that their success is the foundation of our collective achievements”.
It is instructive to note that Ondo state judicial system resonates with integrity and a strong focus on achieving a crisis free environment. The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) department is strengthened to incubate measures of resolving conflicts amicably. While exercising his constitutional right to grant individuals freedom through the prerogative of mercy, Governor Aiyedatiwa has shown integrity that is deeply missing in other states. He has empowered all lawyers in the state by assenting to Hon Ogunwumiju’s land-grabbing bill which forbids anyone from selling land in Ondo state without the involvement of a lawyer.
Going forward, in his quest for a society that works for all, Governor Aiyedatiwa will leave no stone unturned as he strengthens the laws to work for both the rich and poor. In Ondo state, nobody is above the law that Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa swore to protect.
*Sunday Abire is Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor of Ondo State*
