Akure, Nigeria
Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the governor of Ondo State has flagged off the construction of a new high court complex, named after the former governor of the State, the late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
Aiyedatiwa emphasized the commitment of his administration to advancing access to justice and the welfare of judicial officers in the State.
The governor spoke on Friday in Akure during the flag-off ceremony for the construction of the new High Court Complex (Judiciary Village) and described the project as a historic milestone for Ondo State.
He announced that the mega project would be named after the former governor of the State, the late Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu under whose leadership the vision for the project was conceived.
“This is a milestone celebration as we flag off the construction of a New High Court Complex in our dear state. Since the creation of Ondo State in 1976, no attempt has been made to provide a modern edifice for the administration of justice. Today, we are not only making history but also fulfilling a long-standing dream of the judiciary,” the governor said.
“This development is the actualisation of the dream and vision of our late leader, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu. It was his desire to provide a state-of-the-art High Court Complex to enhance the workload and welfare of our judiciary. Naming this project the Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu Judiciary Complex is a fitting way to immortalize his legacy,” he said.
Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that the project was important for the State despite financial challenges.
“Let me state with all sense of responsibility that we are embarking on this project at this time not because the state is too buoyant financially but because of our commitment to providing a good working environment with modern facilities that will enhance the welfare of our judicial officers, workers, and people seeking justice, with the overall aim of speeding up the dispensation of justice in Ondo State.
Highlighting the features of the Judiciary Village, the Governor said, “This complex will include a ceremonial court, modular courts, a registry, a library, exhibition buildings, a utility building, and modern parking facilities. It is designed to create a conducive environment for the administration of justice and to speed up the dispensation of justice in Ondo State,” he added.
He further revealed that the 13-hectare project has been awarded to Messrs Westfield Global Construction Company, with a completion timeline of 48 weeks.
The attorney general and commissioner for justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo praised the governor’s commitment to advancing the rule of law in the State.
“In just one year, Governor Aiyedatiwa has laid a solid foundation for the growth of Ondo State’s judicial infrastructure. This project is a testament to his promise of accessible justice and his belief in the judiciary as a pillar of democracy,” Ajulo noted.
The chief judge of the State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, while welcoming the governor to the event lauded the initiative, describing it as a landmark achievement.
“This complex will elevate the judiciary to global standards with modern facilities capable of competing with any judicial system in the world. The governor’s commitment to this project demonstrates his dedication to peace, justice, and the overall development of Ondo State,” the chief judge said.
