Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has approved the recruitment and training of 500 new officers for the Amotekun Corps to strengthen the state’s security architecture.
The announcement was made as the governor led the inauguration of 130 new Justices of the Peace (JPs) on Friday.
The swearing-in ceremony marks the revival of the office of the Justices of the Peace after nearly 17 years of inactivity, with the last appointment cohort dating back to 2008.
The initiative aims to give citizens an active role in local justice delivery and community cohesion.
The ceremony was led by Aiyedatiwa, Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Kayode Ajulo, and the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Olusegun Odusola.
In his address, Aiyedatiwa called the occasion a “turning point” in reinforcing justice at the grassroots, aligning it with the Order, Security and the Rule of Law component of his administration’s OUR EASE agenda.
The governor stressed that the office of a JP is a sacred responsibility, requiring integrity, wisdom, decorum, and fairness, and urged the appointees to play their part in enhancing local security and peace.
Ajulo traced the institution’s history and noted its statutory powers under Section 12 of the Magistrates’ Court Law, which enables JPs to preserve peace, quell disturbances, and seek assistance when necessary.
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The appointees were selected based on merit, moral standing, and integrity.
The Chief Judge, represented by Justice Akintan Osadebe, administered the oath and outlined the JPs’ legal and quasi-judicial functions, which include mediating disputes and maintaining public order, and administering oaths and certifying documents.
Others are visiting detention facilities to inspect conditions and handle detainees’ complaints and assisting local policing and advising community leaders.
The 130 appointees were drawn from diverse sectors of society, including: the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, and the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo and Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji.
Others are the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, the State Commander of the Amotekun Corps, the State Commandant of the NSCDC, and the Brigadier Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Bishop Felix Adejumo, General Overseer of Agape Christian Ministries, Rt Revd Jacob Bada, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Akoko, and Alhaji Abdulhakeem Yayi-Akorede, Chief Imam of Akure.
The governor also highlighted broader judicial reforms, including the recruitment of additional state counsels and the near completion of a new Judiciary Complex.
In response, Bashorun ‘Seinde Arogbofa, speaking for the appointees, pledged their commitment to supporting the judiciary and advancing peace and justice across the State.
