- …inaugurates 130 new justices of the peace
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved the recruitment of 500 new personnel into the State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s security architecture amid rising national security challenges.
The governor announced the approval on Friday during the inauguration of a new cohort of Justices of the Peace (JPs) held in Akure, the state capital.
Aiyedatiwa explained that after nearly 17 years of inactivity, his administration decided to revive the office of the JPs to give citizens a more active role in local justice delivery.
The Nation reports that a total of 130 appointees, drawn from various sectors, were sworn in to reflect the diversity and inclusiveness central to his grassroots justice reform agenda.
Describing the ceremony as a turning point in reinforcing justice at the grassroots, the governor said the initiative aligns with the “Order, Security and the Rule of Law” pillar of his administration’s OUR EASE agenda.
Aiyedatiwa urged the new JPs to help enhance security, peace, and justice in their communities, reminding them that the office is a “sacred responsibility” requiring integrity, wisdom, and fairness.
He also highlighted ongoing judicial reforms in the state, including the recruitment of additional state counsels, expansion of the judiciary, and the near completion of a new Judiciary Complex featuring a ceremonial court, modular courts, and a library intended to fast-track justice delivery.
In his remarks, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, traced the origin of the JP institution to 14th-century England and its evolution in Nigeria during the colonial era.
He noted that Ondo state last appointed JPs in 2008, describing the office as a crucial link between government and the people.
Ajulo added that the new appointees were selected based on merit, moral standing, humility, and commitment to peace.
The Chief Judge of the state, Justice Olusegun Odusola, represented by Justice Akintan Osadebe, administered the oath of office and outlined the statutory duties of JPs.
He described the office as both legal and quasi-judicial, detailing responsibilities that include mediating disputes, maintaining public order, administering oaths, visiting detention facilities, inspecting conditions, handling detainees’ complaints, certifying documents, and supporting official processes such as visa and passport applications.
Justice Odusola further charged the appointees to contribute to local policing, mentor youth groups, advise community leaders, and help prevent disputes before they escalate.
Responding on behalf of the appointees, Bashorun ’Seinde Arogbofa expressed gratitude to the state government, acknowledging the significance of their roles in promoting justice and peace.
He pledged the commitment of the new JPs to advancing grassroots engagement and supporting the judiciary while also calling for inclusivity, especially recognising contributions from rural communities.
Prominent individuals inaugurated as JPs include the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji; top traditional rulers such as 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.
Others include key security chiefs in the state – the Commissioner of Police, the State Commander of Amotekun, the Comptroller of Immigration, the NSCDC State Commandant, and the Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade – as well as diplomats, clergy, community leaders, and other distinguished personalities.