—Varsity honours Sen Olajumoke,  others

By Dayo Johnson, Akure 

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Ondo State, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, has lamented that corruption and unreasonable demands by politicians are the bane of good governance in the country.

Ajulo said this during the 25th Founders’ Day lecture titled “Democracy, Rule of Law, and Good Governance, at the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo state.

He noted the interplay between leadership and followership in achieving good governance, warning that unreasonable demands from followers could result in compromised leadership.

According to him “All hands must be on deck to achieve good governance, which is the essence of leadership and the purpose of democracy and the rule of law. 

“Good followership is key to good leadership. In situations where followers make unreasonable and selfish demands of leaders, it leads to compromised leadership.

“Democracy and the rule of law must deliver good governance—this is the ultimate expression of leadership, serving the people’s collective interest and upholding justice and equity,”

He emphasised the need for genuine commitment to the ideals of democracy, the rule of law, and good governance as essential pillars for building an egalitarian society.

Ajulo said that ” as we celebrate 25 years of academic excellence at Adekunle Ajasin University, let us commit ourselves to the ideals of democracy, the rule of law, and good governance.

“Let our actions reflect teachings from diverse cultural and spiritual traditions, fostering a society where every voice is heard, justice prevails, and leaders serve with integrity.”

He also, described democracy as a governance system that empowers the people through free and fair elections, protection of individual rights, and active citizen participation.

Speaking on the 25th anniversary of the University, Ajulo commended AAUA for its remarkable progress over the years, describing the institution as a beacon of academic excellence in Nigeria.

“The story of AAUA epitomises progress and growth, transforming from initial struggles into a remarkable academic institution.

“Its modern infrastructure, innovative programmes, and vibrant intellectual community are a testament to visionary leadership,” he added.

The Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof Olugbenga lge, said that ” since inception, our institution has remained steadfast in pursuing the noble vision and mission laid down by our founding fathers: to be a premier university dedicated to developing self-reliant individuals committed to service.

“We have consistently upheld these ideals through groundbreaking research, knowledge creation, character development, and service to humanity.

Senator Bode Olajumoke, a former Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University Council, received the Community Impact Award for his philanthropy, which included the construction of a hall of residence for physically challenged students and a building for the Faculty of Law.

 

In his honour, the University renamed the hall of residence after him. The facility,was previously known as Franklin Delano Roosevelt Hall of Residence.

Dr Olajumoke while speaking during the 25th anniversary of the institution, said that “the university has recorded monumental academic excellence and impacted countless number of lives through its academic programme, resilience and contributions of the past and present Visitors.

Represented by Kikelomo Olugbemi, the former Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University Council, acknowledged the late Pa. Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin who established the Old Ondo State University which metamorphosed to both Adekunle Ajasin University in Ondo state and Ekiti state University in Ekiti state, Late Chief Adebayo Adefarati who relocated the University to Akungba-Akoko, Late Dr Olusegun Agagu and Dr.Olusegun Mimiko who also moved the university forward. 

“I also acknowledge the contributions of Late Arakunrin Rotimi Odunayo Akeredolu and the current Visitor, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Olajumoke, also commended “the efforts of the first Pro-Chancellor and the Chairman of Council, Late Justice Akinola Aguda, my predecessor Chief Reuben Fasoranti and others after me.

“Today, I am happy to see the great transformation of this university with humble beginning to an Iroko tree within a short period of 25 years. 

“Adekunle Ajasin University has blossomed having extra-ordinary academic achievements, great researches and community services. 

“Today, AAUA has become a Centre of Excellence which has made a difference not only locally but globally.

” AAUA has become an ancient tree, strongly deeply rooted, tall and expansive and we are its leaves, branches and pieces of its growth. 

“This is to say that everyone has weathered the storms, celebrated seasons of elevation and provided shelter and sustenance for generations yet unborn, therefore, let everyone carry with him/her a piece of this tree and its spirit. 

“Know that those that you are leaving behind today in the university will continue to thrive and reach even greater heights tomorrow.

” Honour the past, celebrate the present and shape the future that will make us proud for generations to come in the replica of Harvard, Oxford, Stanford Universities etc. 

Other award recipients include,   Dr. Bode Ayorinde, who received the Educational Excellence Award, while Hon. Festus Akingbaso and Mr. Sunday ‘Loye Adewuyi were honoured with the Distinguished Alumni Award.