Aiyedatiwa, bishop, warn against selective justice that favours the rich, powerful
By Julius Alabi, Akure
The Bishop of Ondo Diocese and Supervisory Bishop of Akure Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr Stephen Adeniran Oni, has warned against a justice system in which the wealthy enjoy favourable treatment while the poor are subjected to a different standard.
Similarly, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has urged judicial officers to uphold integrity, compassion and the fear of God, stressing that justice must be administered without regard to wealth, social status or political influence.
They spoke at a special church service and thanksgiving to mark the commencement of the 2026/2027 legal year of the Ondo State Judiciary at St David’s Cathedral, Ijomu, Akure, the state capital.
Bishop Oni said the credibility of the judiciary depended not merely on the authority of its pronouncements but on the integrity, fairness and impartiality of its decisions.
He urged judicial officers to use the new legal year as an opportunity for professional renewal and ethical reflection, reminding them that those entrusted with interpreting the law remained accountable to God, irrespective of their positions.
The cleric’s warning came amid renewed calls for a justice system that guarantees equal treatment for all citizens and protects the rights of the poor and vulnerable.
Aiyedatiwa, in his address, described justice as a solemn moral responsibility and called on judicial officers to discharge their duties with integrity, compassion and a strong sense of accountability.
Quoting Amos 5:24 of the Bible, the governor said: “But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.”
He added: “Justice should be a sustainable assurance to the weak, the vulnerable and the ordinary citizen. A society becomes truly just when the poor can approach the courts without fear, when the weak can seek redress without intimidation and when the powerful understand that no individual stands above the law.”
Describing the Ondo State Judiciary as “the true last hope of the common man,” Aiyedatiwa commended the Chief Judge, Justice Olusegun Ayedun Odusola, other judges, magistrates and the entire judicial workforce for their commitment to the administration of justice.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Nigerian Bar Association to the preservation of constitutional democracy.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial independence, improved welfare for judicial officers and the provision of modern infrastructure to strengthen the justice delivery system.
He said the government would continue to support the judiciary through constructive collaboration, improved working conditions and an enabling environment for judicial officers to perform their duties efficiently.
Aiyedatiwa also stressed that the principle of separation of powers should promote accountability and effective governance rather than rivalry among the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary.
“Let me reiterate that our administration values and respects the principle of separation of powers. We acknowledge that the principle is not an invitation to institutional rivalry, but a cherished constitutional arrangement structured to promote accountability, mutual respect and effective governance among the three arms of government: the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary,” he said.
According to him, although the three arms of government have distinct constitutional responsibilities, they share a common obligation to serve the people and uphold the Constitution.
On the construction of the new judiciary complex, the governor apologised that the facility was not ready for the commencement of the 2026/2027 legal year but assured judicial officers that the project remained within its stipulated completion period.
He expressed confidence that the complex would be completed by December.
“I can guarantee you that by the time you will be celebrating the legal year 2027/2028, that complex will be made ready and that will be the most beautiful judiciary complex in Nigeria,” he said.
Earlier, the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, urged judicial officers to remain impartial, diligent, transparent and faithful to the law as the new legal year commenced.
He described the legal year as an opportunity for the judiciary to renew its commitment to justice, reflect on its history and confront emerging challenges with courage and determination.
“Fifty years of judicial history is not merely a reason to celebrate the past; it is a call to greater responsibility,” Odusola said.
He called for a more accessible, efficient and technologically responsive judiciary capable of upholding constitutionalism, defending vulnerable citizens and strengthening public confidence in the justice system.
The Chief Judge, who prayed for a successful legal year and God’s blessings on the judiciary, Ondo State and Nigeria, expressed appreciation to the state government for its welfare packages and the appointment of five additional judges.
At the special court session held to mark the commencement of the legal year, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, unveiled a 10-year Justice Sector Development Plan covering 2026 to 2036, with Ondo State serving as the pilot jurisdiction.
Ajulo said the 20-pillar plan was designed to address critical challenges in the justice sector, including judicial infrastructure, digital justice, case backlogs, legal aid, professional welfare and legislative reform.
He also highlighted the need for judicial financial autonomy, improved remuneration for magistrates and sustained investment in court infrastructure.
As the Ondo State Judiciary marked 50 years of its history, the Attorney-General called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders, cautioning against interference in the judiciary’s constitutional responsibilities.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Ololade Gbegudu; the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; the Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; and the Head of Service, Chief Segun Odusanya.
Others included the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Olukayode Ajulo; Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Mr Segun Omoyofunmi; Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Engr. Leye Akinola; Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Johnson Alabi; and Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon. Sunday Olajide.
Also present were the Special Adviser on Environment, Hon. Bimbo Fajolu; State Coordinator of Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan; Director-General of OSRC Media Group, Mr Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson; traditional rulers and other political appointees.
