Aiyedatiwa Flags Off Construction of New High Court Named After Akeredolu

Fidelis David in Akure

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.”

He further revealed that the 13-hectare project has been awarded to Messrs Westfield Global Construction Company, with a completion timeline of 48 weeks.

In his goodwill message, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, praised the Governor’s commitment to advancing the rule of law.

Besides, 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 one-year remembrance service, Aiyedatiwa, represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami said Akeredolu was being remembered for the immense role he played in the advancement of democratic ideals, describing him as a courageous leader and an unrepentant advocate of good governance.

The governor noted that the programmes and activities designed for the one-year remembrance were in appreciation for what the late governor stood for.

He said, “This one-year remembrance is not a jamboree but a sincere and genuine desire to immortalise our dear Arakunrin for what he stood for and for his numerous contributions to the development of our dear state and the country as a whole.

“We will continue to remember him for being at the forefront and for rallying his brother governors to institutionalize the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun Corps, a homegrown security outfit that is currently doing a tremendous job at combating insecurity in our land. This is in addition to other laudable infrastructural initiatives midwifed by our late leader.”

The memorial service was presided over by the Bishop of Owo Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt. Revd. Stephen Fagbemi, assisted by the Bishop of Ose, Rt.Revd. Adegoke Agara; the Bishop of Irele, Rt Revd. Joshua Oyinlola and Rt Revd. Olusola Ajayi of Ekiti Diocese and also had the former governor of Ekiti state, Kayode Fayemi and his wife in attendance.

In his sermon, Bishop Fagbemi said Arakunrin Akeredolu, who until his death was the Chancellor of Owo Diocese Anglican Communion, lived a purposeful life which revered God, worked for the church of God and impacted humanity. 

 “As a politician, Arakunrin Akeredolu was committed to the cause of his people. He never failed to use what he had to satisfy the people. He did not fail on his promises to the people”, the Bishop eulogized late Akeredolu.