Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has assured judicial officers that the state’s new judiciary complex will be completed by December, promising that it will rank among the finest judicial facilities in Nigeria.

The governor gave the assurance at a special church service, thanksgiving and special court session marking the commencement of the 2026/2027 legal year of the Ondo State Judiciary.

Aiyedatiwa apologised that the complex was not ready for the current legal year celebration but said the project remained on schedule.

He expressed confidence that the facility would be ready before the judiciary celebrates the 2027/2028 legal year.

The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial independence, improved welfare for judicial officers and stronger infrastructure across the justice sector.

He said access to justice must not depend on wealth, status or influence, stressing that the poor and vulnerable should be able to approach the courts without fear or intimidation.

Aiyedatiwa described the judiciary as the true last hope of the common man and commended the Chief Judge, Justice Olusegun Odusola, judges, magistrates and judicial workers for their commitment to justice.

He pledged continued collaboration with the judiciary through improved working conditions, better infrastructure and an enabling environment for judicial officers to perform effectively.

The governor maintained that his administration respects the principle of separation of powers, describing the relationship among the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary as complementary rather than competitive.

At the special court session, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Olukayode Ajulo, unveiled a 10-year justice sector development plan covering 2026 to 2036.

He said the 20-pillar plan would address judicial infrastructure, digital justice, case backlogs, legal aid, professional welfare and legislative reform.

Ajulo also highlighted judicial financial autonomy, improved remuneration for magistrates and the ongoing construction of the judiciary complex.

In his welcome address, Chief Judge Odusola urged judicial officers to remain impartial, diligent, transparent and faithful to the law as the new legal year begins.

He called for a more accessible, efficient and technologically responsive judiciary capable of upholding constitutionalism, defending the vulnerable and inspiring public confidence.