Aiyedatiwa Honoured by NBA, Orders Renovation of Okitipupa Courts
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has directed the renovation of court facilities in Okitipupa as part of efforts to strengthen the justice system, even as he received a Special Recognition Award from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
The governor gave the directive on Wednesday while addressing participants at the grand finale of the NBA Okitipupa Branch Law Week held at Ojaja Park in Akure. He emphasised the need for a justice system that is fair, accessible, and responsive to the realities of ordinary citizens.
Aiyedatiwa stated that justice must not be delayed, distant, or selective, stressing that the rule of law should serve as a tool for fairness and equity rather than a mere set of rules.
“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.
He assured legal practitioners that, despite granting full autonomy to the judiciary, the executive arm would oversee the renovation of courts in Okitipupa to improve infrastructure and service delivery.
The governor further urged members of the Bar and Bench to uphold integrity and professionalism, describing them as defenders of justice and protectors of the common man. He also encouraged young lawyers to build their careers on discipline, warning against unethical shortcuts.
Aiyedatiwa noted that his administration has continued to pursue reforms aimed at strengthening judicial institutions, boosting public trust, and ensuring equal access to justice.
In his remarks, former NBA President, Wole Olanipekun, cautioned against overburdening the judiciary, particularly with electoral disputes, warning that excessive reliance on courts could threaten democratic stability.
Olanipekun, who chaired the event, described the judiciary as the cornerstone of democracy, stressing that its independence remains critical to sustaining the rule of law.
Also speaking, Chairman of the 2026 Law Week Planning Committee, Dr Abdul-Kabir Olajide Ajana (SAN), called for greater support for the NBA Okitipupa Branch, especially in infrastructure and logistics.
He noted that the branch, which covers Okitipupa, Irele, Ilaje, Ese-Odo, and Odigbo local government areas, is the largest in Ondo State by geographical spread.
Dignitaries at the event included the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Olukayode Ajulo; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; APC State Chairman, Hon. Kolawole Babatunde; and chieftain, Chief Olusola Oke, among others.
