Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has flag-off the construction of the new High Court Complex (Judiciary Village), named after the former Governor of the State, late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
This was as family, friends and political associates gathered to mark the first anniversary of the death of the former governor at St Andrew’s Anglican Church in Owo.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Aiyedatiwa described the project as a historic milestone for Ondo State and emphasised his administration’s unwavering commitment to the advancement of justice and the welfare of judicial officers in the state.
The Governor announced that the project was named after Akeredolu because it was under his leadership the vision for the project was conceived.
The Governor said: “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.
“This development is the actualization 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 immortalise his legacy,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa also highlighted the importance of embarking on the project 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,” he said.
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.”
