By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
…says Bar and Bench remain anchors of national stability
The Attorney-General of Ondo State and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, OON, SAN, has called for a renewed national commitment to building a “utilitarian judiciary” that prioritizes justice delivery, public trust, and institutional collaboration.
He made the remarks on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Akure Branch, held at the International Culture and Event Centre, The Dome.
Speaking before a packed hall of legal professionals, Ajulo praised the NBA Akure Branch leadership for choosing the theme “Nigeria: Quest for a Utilitarian Judiciary and Roles for Stakeholders,” which he described as timely and essential in shaping legal discourse for national progress.
“The legal profession is both shield and compass” — Ajulo
The Senior Advocate affirmed that the legal profession remains the foundation upon which democracy and civilization stand. He emphasized that lawyers serve as architects of stability by giving “structure to governance, direction to policy, and integrity to public institutions.”
Recalling the aftermath of the 1983 Ondo governorship crisis in Ajasin v. Omoboriowo, Ajulo noted that it was the intervention of legal minds that restored calm and legitimacy to the state. He also referenced the historic Awolowo v. Shagari case and the constitutional dilemma of the “twelve two-thirds” judgment, praising the intellectual brilliance of the late Chief Richard Akinjide, SAN.
“These defining moments showed me how the law can shape national destiny,” he told the audience.
A Judiciary that Works for the People
Ajulo described a utilitarian judiciary as one that is accessible, efficient, transparent, and grounded in public confidence. Such a system, he argued, must go beyond technicalities and advance justice that resonates with the everyday realities of citizens.
He stressed that the responsibility for such a judiciary rests on all stakeholders — the Bench, the Bar, the Executive, the Legislature, and the citizenry.
- The Bench, he said, must uphold courage, integrity, and impartiality.
- The Bar must recommit to ethical advocacy, mentorship of younger lawyers, and intellectual rigor.
- The Executive, which he represents, must protect judicial independence and provide adequate infrastructure.
- The Legislature must enact laws aligned with modern challenges.
- Citizens must respect the rule of law.
“When each stakeholder plays its role with sincerity and purpose, we build a judiciary that not only interprets the law but transforms society,” he said.
Ondo’s Commitment to Judicial Reform
Highlighting the progress of the Ondo State Government under Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Ajulo said the administration has consistently invested in court infrastructure, digitalized judicial processes, and deepened collaboration with the Bar and Bench.
“The government recognizes that a just society is the foundation of economic prosperity and political stability,” he added.
A Charge to the Legal Profession
Concluding his address, Ajulo urged lawyers to remain “the conscience of the nation” at a time when public trust in institutions is weakening.
“Let us renew our purpose as custodians of justice. We must defend the dignity of our profession and remain advocates for the voiceless,” he charged.
He congratulated the NBA Akure Branch for sustaining what he called “the intellectual culture that keeps the profession vibrant and relevant.”
~ Newspot Nigeria
