Gov Aiyedatiwa signs law to add 11 judges to Ondo State Judiciary 

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On Thursday, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa signed into law a bill to increase the number of judges in the state by eleven.

Aiyedatiwa’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, described the new law as a historic move to strengthen the judiciary and improve the efficient dispensation of justice.

The law increases the number of judges in the state from 24 to 35, marking the first such development since the state was created in 1976.

“Today, we make history with the signing into Law of this Amendment Bill. We mark a significant milestone in the annals of our great State. For the first time ever, since the creation of our State, we are increasing the number of judges in our Judiciary by 11! This invariably brings the total number of Judges in the Ondo State Judiciary to 35. It is indeed a momentous occasion that demonstrates our unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and the Rule of Law. 

“This achievement is a testament to our administration’s dedication to strengthening the fabric of our society. We recognize that the judiciary is the backbone of our democracy, and by enhancing its capacity, we empower our citizens, foster a more just and equitable society and enhance the administration of justice in our dear state.

“It is imperative to salute the Rt Hon Speaker, Hon Olamide Oladiji, other Hon members of the Ondo State House of Assembly, my Lord, the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Hon Justice Segun Ayedun Odusola and his associate Judges, the Hon Attorney General and all other stakeholders for their untiring efforts to make this vision a reality. Your patriotism, doggedness and expertise have yielded a triumph for our Sunshine State and its good people.” 

Governor Aiyedatiwa reiterated his administration’s dedication to supporting the judiciary, highlighting the recent approval and mobilization of contractors for constructing a new ultra-modern judiciary complex, as well as the ongoing training programs for judges both locally and internationally.

“As I sign this Bill into Law today, we not only expand access to justice but also fortify the foundation of our democracy. By increasing the number of Judges, we are not only reducing the workload of the existing Judges, but also enabling the Judiciary to tackle backlog of cases. We equally ensure timely and faster administration of justice, thereby reducing congestion in our courts. We demonstrate that our State is a beacon of progress, where the rights and dignity of all citizens are cherished and protected,” he added 

Justice Olusola Odusola, Chief Judge of Ondo State, noted that the signing of the amendment bill to increase the number of judges demonstrates the Governor’s commitment to improving the efficiency of court proceedings. He added that this increase would help reduce the workload of the current judges.

Additionally, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, mentioned that the House Committee thoroughly reviewed and deliberated on the amendment bill, in line with the House’s legislative authority.

He commended the committee members for their comprehensive and diligent efforts, which resulted in the successful passage of the bill into law.