Judiciary must safeguard democracy, resist overburdening — Olanipekun

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has called for a justice system that is fair, accessible, and responsive to the needs of ordinary citizens, stressing that the rule of law must reflect societal realities.

The governor made the call on Wednesday at the grand finale of the Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association, Okitipupa Branch, held at Ojaja Park in Akure.

Aiyedatiwa said the justice system must not be distant, delayed, or selective, noting that Nigerians deserve a system that is timely, impartial, and people-centred. He emphasised that the law should go beyond being a mere set of rules and serve as a conscience for society.

“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.

The governor also directed the renovation of courts in Okitipupa, assuring legal practitioners that although the judiciary enjoys autonomy, the executive arm would oversee the rehabilitation of the facilities.

He highlighted the critical role of legal practitioners as defenders of justice and protectors of the common man, urging both the Bar and the Bench to uphold integrity, professionalism, and selflessness.

Aiyedatiwa noted that his administration has continued to pursue reforms aimed at strengthening judicial institutions, improving public confidence, and ensuring equal access to justice.

He further urged lawyers to balance legal reasoning with compassion, reminding them that real lives are affected by every case. He also advised young lawyers to build their careers on discipline, character, and ethical conduct, cautioning against shortcuts in the profession.

Describing the relationship between government and the legal profession as a partnership, the governor said both must collaborate to promote good governance and uphold the rule of law.

Aiyedatiwa, who received a Special Recognition Award at the event, described the honour as a call to greater service and responsibility, urging stakeholders to remain committed to justice, truth, and fairness.

Former President of the NBA, Wole Olanipekun, warned that the judiciary must not be overburdened, particularly with electoral disputes, as this could threaten democratic stability.

Speaking as Chairman of the occasion, Olanipekun stressed that the judiciary remains the cornerstone of any functional democracy, noting that democracy and the rule of law are inseparable.

He said the theme of the Law Week, “Imperatives of the Judiciary in a Working Democracy: The Common Law Jurisdiction and the Nigerian Experience,” underscores the importance of an independent judiciary in sustaining democratic governance.

Chairman of the 2026 Law Week Planning Committee, Abdul-Kabir Olajide Ajana, called for greater support for the Okitipupa branch, especially in infrastructure and logistics.

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Ajana commended Olanipekun for his role in the establishment of the branch, recalling that he moved the motion for its recognition at the 1987 National Executive Committee meeting of the association in Kaduna.

He explained that the branch covers the southern senatorial district of Ondo State, including Okitipupa, Irele, Ilaje, Ese-Odo, and Odigbo local government areas, making it the largest NBA branch in the 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, Adeyeye Enitan ; APC State Chairman, Hon. Kolawole Babatunde; and APC chieftain, Chief Olusola Oke, among others.