Ondo Speaker, Oladiji Takes Oath as Justice of the Peace
…..Reiterates Commitment to Fairness
…As Aiyedatiwa Revives Grassroots Justice System After 17 Years
By Elizabeth Oyeniwa
Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Chief) Olamide Oladiji, on Thursday emerged one of the distinguished citizens newly sworn in as Justice of the Peace (JP)—a recognition he described as “a call to deepen service, fairness and peaceful coexistence across the State.”
Oladiji, who received the honour from Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa at The Dome, Akure, said the conferment marks a renewed responsibility to promote justice and strengthen community conflict-resolution mechanisms.
Speaking shortly after taking the oath, the Speaker expressed gratitude to the government and judiciary for reviving a critical institution that had been dormant since 2008.
“This honour is not just a title. It is a responsibility to stand for fairness, equity and peace.As representatives of the people, we must ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done ,right from our communities to the courts,” he said.
“I consider this appointment a renewed call to serve with humility and integrity. I will work closely with security agencies, traditional rulers and community structures to promote peaceful coexistence and prevent avoidable conflicts.”
The Speaker noted that the revival of the JP system would reduce local disputes escalating into full-blown crises, strengthen mediation at the grassroots and support neighbourhood harmony.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa said the conferment symbolised a major step in rebuilding confidence in the justice system at the community level.
He described the office of the JP as a “sacred responsibility” requiring integrity, wisdom, fairness and compassion.
Aiyedatiwa highlighted ongoing judicial reforms, including the expansion of the judiciary, recruitment of more state counsels and the near completion of a new Judiciary Complex with modular courts, a ceremonial court and a public law library.
Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo, traced the history of the JP system and described the newly inaugurated group as a bridge between government and communities.
He said appointees were selected strictly based on moral standing, integrity, humility and community influence.
The Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, represented by Justice Akintan Osadebe, explained that the office of a JP is both legal and quasi-judicial.
Among the eminent personalities honoured alongside the Speaker were traditional rulers, top security chiefs, respected clergy and senior public officials. They include the Olowo of Owo and Chairman, Ondo State Council of Obas, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III; the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo; and the Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundun II.
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