'YOU MUST REMAIN NATION'S CONSCIENCE,' AJULO URGES LAWYERS

Address by the Honorable Attorney-general of Ondo State and Commissioner of Justice at the Opening Ceremony of the Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association, Akure Branch Held at the International Culture wnd Centre (The Dome) on 11th Nov. 2025

Address by the Honorable Attorney-general of Ondo State and Commissioner of Justice at the Opening Ceremony of the Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association, Akure Branch Held at the International Culture wand Centre (The Dome) on 11th Nov. 2025

PROTOCOLS

It gives me immense pleasure and professional pride to stand before this august gathering at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Law Week of our noble Association, the Nigerian Bar Association, Akure Branch.

Let me begin by commending the Chairman and other Executive members, the Law Week planning committee and the entire membership of this branch for once again providing a platform for sober reflection and constructive dialogue. I congratulate the Chairman, the Executives and the planning committee for their commitment to intellectual discourse and professional excellence, as evidenced by the choice of the thought provoking and highly sensitive and timely theme of this year’s Law Week: “Nigeria: Quest For A Utilitarian Judiciary And Roles For Stakeholders”.

The Nobility of Our Calling

The legal profession remains one of the noblest callings known to mankind — the bedrock upon which civilization itself is built. It is not merely an occupation but a heritage, a vocation that stands as both shield and compass: shielding the rights and liberties of all, while guiding society towards justice, order, peace, and progress. From the courtroom to the legislative chambers, from the drafting table to the corridors of governance, lawyers have consistently served as the architects of stability, reform, and national growth.

Indeed, every thriving democracy rests on the backbone of the functional legal system and lawyers constitute the strength of that system.

In Ondo State and across Nigeria, the contributions of the Bar and the Bench to political order, social balance and economic advancement cannot be over emphasized. The legal mind gives structure to governance, direction to policy and integrity to public institutions.

I remember in 1983, the case of Ajasin V Omoboriowo, young as I was, after the political disturbance/ violence that erupted following the announcement of the results of the election held on 13th August, 1983 that it was members of the legal profession that eventually returned the state to order and peace. Such is the importance of our noble profession to the stability of our democracy and society.

This reinforces the timeless saying that the pen is mightier than the sword. My inspiration to study law partly stemmed from the profound influence and pivotal role the legal profession played in the case I just referenced. Likewise, the remarkable legal wizardry of Chief Richard Akinjide, SAN, in Awolowo v. Shagari, which resolved the constitutional impasse of “twelve two-thirds of nineteen states,” further deepened my admiration for the transformative power of law and its capacity to shape the course of national destiny.

A Quest for Utilitarian Judiciary

A utilitarian judiciary is one that delivers justice that is not only legally sound but socially beneficial. It is a call for a judicial system that transcends technicalities and embodies accessibility, efficiency, transparency and public trust. It must be responsive to the realities of the people while remaining faithful to constitutional principles. In this quest every stakeholders—the Bench, the Bar, the legislature, the Executive and indeed the citizenry—has a sacred duty to play.

The Roles of Stakeholders

For the judiciary to fulfill its utilitarian purpose, collaboration is needed.

The bench must continue to uphold courage, integrity and impartiality. The court room must be a sanctuary of justice.

The Bar must recommit itself to ethical advocacy, the mentorship of young lawyers which I consider an integral and crucial mandate of our mandate and noble pursuits at this time as well as the sustenance of intellectual vigour in the practice of law.

The Executive Arm, which I represent, is sworn to protect and to guarantee judicial independence, uphold and respect the rule of law and judicial pronouncements, provide adequate infrastructure, and ensure that the course of justice is never hindered by logistics, indifference, or neglect.

The Legislature must enact laws that reflect contemporary realities and strengthen the administration of justice. The citizens, on their part, must cultivate an abiding respect for the rule of law. When every stakeholder performs its role with sincerity and purpose, the collective outcome is a judiciary that not only interprets the law but also transforms society.

The Ondo State Experience

In Ondo State, under the visionary leadership of his Excellency, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the administration has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the rule of law, judicial reform and institutional development.

We have continued to invest in court infrastructure, promote digitalization of processes and maintain cordial collaboration with the judiciary and the Bar, the state Government recognizes that a just society is the foundation of economic prosperity and political stability.

A Call to Renewed Purpose

As we celebrate this Law Week, let us all renew our collective purpose as custodians of justice. Lawyers must remain the conscience of the nation, the advocates of the voiceless, and the guardians of truthand conscience. We must defend the dignity of our profession, especially in a time when public trust in both the Bar and our institutions stands fragile and is steadily ebbing away.

I once again commend the NBA Akure Branch for sustaining the intellectual culture that keeps our profession vibrant and relevant.

Thank you and God bless you all.

-Dr Kayode Ajulo, OON, SAN