Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has decided to immortalize his predecessor, Rotimi Akeredolu, by naming the state’s new High Court complex after him. This decision, announced at the flag-off ceremony for the construction of the Judiciary Village in Akure, aims to honor Akeredolu’s legacy and vision. Aiyedatiwa, who assumed office after Akeredolu’s death on December 27, 2023, touted the project as a historic achievement for the state, even if it’s more about legacy-building than addressing immediate judicial concerns.
Speaking at the event, Aiyedatiwa described the construction of the new complex as a significant milestone for Ondo State. He proudly declared, “Since the creation of Ondo State in 1976, no attempt has been made to provide a modern edifice for the administration of justice.” Well, perhaps that’s because the focus has always been elsewhere, or maybe the state’s resources were tied up in other priorities. Regardless, Aiyedatiwa is now touting this development as a breakthrough. In his eyes, it’s not just a building; it’s a dream realized, one that Akeredolu apparently had in mind before his death.
Aiyedatiwa’s speech, delivered with great fanfare, went on to reveal that the complex would be named the “Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu Judiciary Complex.” A fitting tribute, indeed, to the former governor. Of course, Akeredolu’s desire to create a state-of-the-art judiciary complex was well known, but is Aiyedatiwa simply capitalizing on the opportunity to align his leadership with his predecessor’s memory.
The governor also touched on the financial practicality of the project, stating that it wasn’t launched because of the state’s overwhelming wealth, but rather due to the administration’s commitment to providing a top-notch working environment for judicial officers.
“Let me state with all sense of responsibility,” Aiyedatiwa said, “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.”
The project will include a ceremonial court, modular courts, a registry, a library, exhibition buildings, and parking facilities, all designed to enhance the judicial process. Aiyedatiwa promised that it would speed up justice in Ondo State.
As Aiyedatiwa pushes forward with this ambitious project we hope that this is truly the monumental step toward judicial reform, or if it’s just another politically-motivated monument to an administration’s legacy.
