Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, has been sworn in as one of the newly appointed Justices of the Peace in the state, a recognition he described as a renewed call to strengthen fairness, justice and peaceful coexistence across communities.
Oladiji took the oath on Thursday at The Dome, Akure, where Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa presided over the ceremony, marking the revival of the JP system in the state after 17 years.
The Speaker said the honour places an added responsibility on him to contribute to conflict resolution and grassroots justice mechanisms, praising the government and judiciary for restoring what he called a vital institution that had been inactive 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.”
Oladiji noted that the reinstatement of the JP system would help reduce local disputes from escalating, reinforce community mediation and enhance neighbourhood harmony.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, while congratulating the new appointees, said the exercise was aimed at rebuilding trust in justice structures at the grassroots.
He described the office of a Justice of the Peace as a sacred responsibility requiring integrity, wisdom and compassion.
He also highlighted ongoing reforms in the justice sector, including judicial expansion, recruitment of additional state counsels and the near completion of a new Judiciary Complex featuring modular courts, a ceremonial court and a public law library.
Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo (SAN), explained that the JP institution serves as a crucial bridge between government and communities.
He said the new appointees were chosen strictly based on integrity, moral standing and influence within their localities.
The Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, represented by Justice Akintan Osadebe, described the office as both legal and quasi-judicial in nature.
Among those honoured were prominent traditional rulers, senior security officials, religious leaders and top public officers, including the Olowo of Owo and Chairman of the 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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