Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, has said the state’s judicial sector is undergoing comprehensive reforms aimed at positioning it as a leader in justice system innovation and security architecture across Nigeria.
Ajulo made this assertion during an interactive session with journalists in Akure, the state capital on Tuesday.
Ajulo stated that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration is committed to improving judicial efficiency and expanding citizens’ access to justice through digital integration and the repeal of outdated laws.
“Ondo State, under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has achieved remarkable milestones in transforming its justice sector through a range of targeted reforms and forward-thinking policies,” Ajulo said.
He revealed that the state is launching a groundbreaking digital legal resource platform and electronic library, which will provide judges, magistrates, lawyers, and legal researchers with instant access to statutes, case law, and global legal literature.
This innovation will be supported by a new case tracking and response mechanism to expedite case resolution.
Addressing the proposed death penalty for kidnappers, Ajulo said the government is reviewing existing laws to reflect current realities and introduce stricter penalties as a deterrent.
“For instance, offences that previously attracted a six-year sentence may now carry a 21-year term, and in cases involving the loss of life, the death penalty may apply,” he said. “The law also empowers the state to demolish properties used for kidnapping or cultism, subject to due process.”
Reacting to the ongoing strike by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria over the non-implementation of financial autonomy, Ajulo denied claims that the state government had acted in bad faith.
According to him, “There are critical ambiguities surrounding the implementation of the judgment on financial autonomy. The state government has chosen to seek judicial interpretation through a formal appeal to ensure lawful compliance and institutional stability.”
He added that while the legal process is ongoing, the government remains committed to resolving issues through dialogue and supporting judicial workers’ return to duty.
Meanwhile, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has met with leaders of the Ondo State branch of JUSUN in an effort to resolve the strike. Following the meeting, the governor directed the establishment of a committee to work out modalities for releasing funds to the judiciary in compliance with autonomy demands.
The committee, which includes representatives from the union and government, will be chaired by the Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Omowumi Isaac.
Governor Aiyedatiwa reiterated his administration’s commitment to the judiciary and its workforce, highlighting recent efforts such as the increase in the number of High Court judges and the ongoing construction of an ultra-modern judiciary complex in Akure.
Chairman of Ondo JUSUN, Oluwafemi Afolabi, thanked the governor for the positive strides in the judiciary sector, including regular salary payments and improved worker welfare. He assured that the union would communicate the outcome of the meeting to its members and expressed optimism that the indefinite strike would soon be called off.
