The State Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ondo State, Barrister Gbenga Akinbuli, has raised the alarm over the poor condition of High Court 1 in Oka, Ondo Town, describing it as a glaring indictment on the state’s judicial system.
In an open letter addressed to the Attorney General and commissioner of justice of the state, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, Akinbuli expressed deep concern about the leaking roofs, poor sitting arrangements, and overall dilapidation of the court building.
He said the state of the facility reflects a gross neglect of the justice system and undermines the rule of law in the state.
“As the State Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which stands for the progress and welfare of our people and a concerned son of Ondo Town and a legal practitioner, i will not hesitate to call out those who fail to deliver, I am compelled to speak out against the egregious neglect of High Court 1. The rainy season has exposed the rot, revealing a system struggling under the weight of abandonment,”
“I wonder, and I ask: Is Attorney General Dr. Olukayode Ajulo aware of the pathetic state of our high court? Or is he deliberately turning a blind eye to the suffering of our judicial officers and litigants?
“I remember vividly his emphasis on court reforms, but is this the kind of reform he envisioned? Leaking roofs, poor sitting conditions, and an overall environment that is an affront to justice,” Akinbuli asked.
He questioned whether the Attorney General was aware of the court’s condition or had chosen to “deliberately turn a blind eye” to the plight of judicial officers, litigants, and the public who rely on the courts for justice.
Akinbuli also called for urgent reforms, especially the granting of full financial autonomy to the judiciary in Ondo State.
He urged Ajulo to advise Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on the need to empower the judiciary, noting that without transparency and accountability in the management of judicial funds, progress would remain elusive.
“If funds have indeed been disbursed, then what mechanisms are in place to ensure the Chief Judge is transparent and effective in their utilization?” he asked.
“This is not about politics; it’s about the integrity of justice. Our courts must be places of dignity and order, not suffering and neglect,” he said.
“The welfare of our courts and judicial officers seems to be of little concern to those responsible. How can litigants and court officials be expected to function effectively in such an environment? It’s discouraging, even for the most capable individuals.”
The SDP chairman warned that the current state of courtrooms makes it nearly impossible for judicial officers to perform effectively, adding that it also discourages young legal practitioners and undermines public confidence in the judiciary.
He called on all well-meaning citizens to demand better from those in power and insisted that Ondo State must no longer settle for leadership that fails to act on critical issues.
AG VISITS COURTS, OFFICES
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo SAN, OON, has embarked on a comprehensive assessment of all court and office facilities under the justice sector across the state.
The initiative aims to identify areas requiring government intervention and urgent attention. Dr. Ajulo personally undertook the inspection and assessment tour to gather first-hand information and conduct onsite evaluations of the facilities.
This inspection is critical, given the unpredictable challenges posed by the current rainy and windy season, as infrastructure can sometimes be compromised.
Dr. Ajulo, who also visited the site of the ongoing Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu Judiciary Complex, once again commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for the significant progress being made on the project. He remarked that, when completed, the complex will stand as a testament to the administration’s commitment to strengthening the justice sector and providing a befitting environment for legal practitioners and the public alike.
