Aiyedatiwa Commissions Ondo NBA Bar Centre, Seeks Stronger Institutions for Democracy
Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has stressed the need for stronger institutions to sustain democracy, justice and societal development in Nigeria.
The governor made the remark on Friday during the commissioning of a new Bar Centre donated to the Ondo Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association in Ondo City by prominent legal practitioner, Tayo Oyetibo.
Speaking at the event, Aiyedatiwa described the legal profession as a critical pillar of democratic governance, noting that democracy would lose its moral and institutional foundation without an independent and courageous bar.
According to the governor, enduring societies are built on institutions capable of preserving values, transmitting knowledge and safeguarding civilisation across generations.
He said the Bar Centre symbolises more than a physical edifice, describing it as a reflection of scholarship, professional excellence, institutional continuity and commitment to justice.
Aiyedatiwa commended Oyetibo for donating the facility to the NBA branch, saying the gesture demonstrated responsibility, patriotism and dedication to the advancement of the legal profession.
“By personally building and donating this Bar Centre to the NBA Ondo Branch, he has not merely erected a structure; he has established a lasting monument to scholarship, professional solidarity and the advancement of justice,” the governor said.
The governor also lauded members of the NBA Ondo Branch for sustaining professional growth and institutional development, adding that societies thrive when institutions are strengthened and protected.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening legal institutions, justice administration and democratic governance in the state.
Aiyedatiwa further described the NBA as the conscience of the nation through its role in defending constitutionalism, democratic values and public accountability.
In his remarks, Oyetibo said the project was aimed at strengthening the legal profession and improving the administration of justice.
He noted that lawyers remain defenders of the rule of law and custodians of constitutional order, stressing that investment in their welfare and work environment translates to investment in society.
The legal luminary explained that the centre was designed to promote mentorship, intellectual engagement and professional development among lawyers.
Facilities at the centre include a hall, library, conference room, cafeteria, lawyers’ lounge, reception area, FIDA office and document processing rooms.
Chairman of the occasion, Wole Olanipekun, praised Oyetibo’s contribution to the legal profession and urged younger lawyers to sustain the ideals established by senior practitioners.
Also speaking, Moronkeji Ogunwumiju announced the donation of Nigerian Weekly Law Reports from 2005 to 2026 to the library dedicated in her honour.
In a lecture delivered at the event, Olanrewaju Fagbohun urged lawyers to embrace technology and defend democratic institutions to remain relevant in a changing society.
Dignitaries at the event included the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Adesoji Afolabi, the Victor Kiladejo, judges, senior lawyers and other stakeholders in the legal profession.
