Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has immortalized his predecessor, Rotimi Akeredolu, by announcing that the new High Court complex to be constructed in the state will be named after the departed ex-governor.
Akeredolu, who passed away on December 27, 2023, was succeeded by Aiyedatiwa as the Governor of Ekiti State.
The announcement was made during the flag-off ceremony for the construction of the new High Court complex, also known as the Judiciary Village, in Akure, the state capital, on Friday.
Governor Aiyedatiwa described the project as a historic milestone for the state and acknowledged that it was conceived under the leadership and vision of the late Akeredolu.
Aiyedatiwa stated, “This is a milestone celebration as we flag off the construction of a new high court complex in our dear state. Since the creation of Ondo State in 1976, no attempt has been made to provide a modern edifice for the administration of justice. Today, we are not only making history but also fulfilling a long-standing dream of the judiciary.”
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He added, “This development is the actualisation of the dream and vision of our late leader, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu. He desired to provide a state-of-the-art high court complex to enhance the workload and welfare of our judiciary. Naming this project the Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu Judiciary Complex is a fitting way to immortalise his legacy.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa, expressing his administration’s commitment to advancing justice and improving the welfare of judicial officers in the state, emphasized the significance of the project.
“Let me state with all sense of responsibility that we are embarking on this project at this time not because the state is too buoyant financially but because of our commitment to providing a good working environment with modern facilities that will enhance the welfare of our judicial officers, workers, and people seeking justice, with the overall aim of speeding up the dispensation of justice in Ondo State.”
He further explained, “This complex will include a ceremonial court, modular courts, a registry, a library, exhibition buildings, a utility building, and modern parking facilities. It’s designed to create a conducive environment for the administration of justice and to speed up the dispensation of justice in Ondo State.”
Earlier, the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Olusegun Odusola, praised the initiative, calling it a landmark achievement of the current administration in the state.
Meanwhile, as Governor Aiyedatiwa announced the new high court complex in honor of the late Akeredolu, the family of the former Governor unveiled his mausoleum in his hometown of Owo.
Sharing photos of the structure on Facebook on Friday, Babajide Akeredolu wrote, “The Oluwarotimi O. Akeredolu Mausoleum & Memorial Park. Happy to share this with the public now. Grateful for the opportunity the family gave me to go to town on putting this place together.
“Four-year post requirements completed. See you in 2028.”
Akeredolu passed away at the age of 67 in Germany on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, after a battle with prostate cancer.
