The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has honoured his predecessor, Rotimi Akeredolu, by announcing that the forthcoming High Court complex in the state will bear the name of the late ex-governor.
Naija News reports that Aiyedatiwa assumed the governorship of Ondo following Akeredolu‘s passing on December 27, 2023.
During the inauguration ceremony for the construction of the new high court complex, also referred to as the Judiciary Village in Akure, the state capital, on Friday, Aiyedatiwa characterized the initiative as a significant achievement for the state.
He further noted that the project was envisioned and initiated under the leadership of the late Akeredolu.
Aiyedatiwa 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 actualisation of the dream and vision of our late leader, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu. He desired 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.”
Aiyedatiwa, who expressed his administration’s commitment to the advancement of justice and the welfare of judicial officers in the state, highlighted the importance of embarking on the project.
“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.
“This complex will include a ceremonial court, modular courts, a registry, a library, exhibition buildings, a utility building and modern parking facilities. It’s designed to create a conducive environment for the administration of justice and to speed up the dispensation of justice in Ondo State,” the Governor stated.
In his address, the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Olusegun Odusola, lauded the initiative, describing it as a landmark achievement of the current administration in the state.