By Dayo Johnson Akure

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo state, has revived the office of the office of the Justices of the Peace (JPs), after nearly 17 years of inactivity in the state.

Aiyedatiwa, Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo, SAN, and the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, led the inauguration of the new cohort.

A total of 130 appointees, drawn from all walks of life, were sworn in at a colourful ceremony held in Akure, the state capital.

Among the appointees are the General Overseer of the Agape Christian Ministries Worldwide, Bishop Felix Aderemi Adejumo, the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Akoko, Rt Revd Jacob O. B. Bada; Alhaji Abdulhakeem Yayi-Akorede, the Chief Imam of Akure; and other religious and community leaders.

Others include the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji; eminent traditional rulers including Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, the Olowo of Owo and Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundun II, the Deji of Akure and Oba Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo; the Osemawe of Ondo.

Others are top security heads in the State, including the Ondo State Commissioner of Police; Adetokunbo Afolabi, the State Commander of the Amotekun Corps; the Ondo State Comptroller of Immigration, Nigeria Immigration Service; the Ondo State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC; and the Brigadier Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Owena Cantonment, Akure, alongside diplomats, notable professionals, respected community leaders, and other distinguished Nigerians.

Addressing them, the governor described the occasion as a turning point in reinforcing justice at the grassroots, in consonant with the ‘Order, Security and the Rule of Law’, which is the first component of the OUR EASE agenda of his administration.

While urging them to play their part in enhancing local security, peace and justice in their respective communities, Aiyedatiwa reminded the new appointees that their office is a “sacred responsibility,” requiring integrity, wisdom, decorum and fairness.

He commended their selection and assured them of government support as they mediate disputes, maintain social order and promote harmony within their communities.

Highlighting the State’s broader judicial reforms, Aiyedatiwa noted the recruitment of additional state counsels, the expansion of the judiciary and the near completion of a new Judiciary Complex, which will feature a ceremonial court, modular courts and a library, all aimed at supporting the timely delivery of justice.

In his welcome address, the Attorney General of the State, AG, Dr Ajulo, traced the JP institution to its 14th‑century English origins and its adoption during Nigeria’s colonial era.

Ajulo noted that Ondo last appointed JPs in 2008 and described the office as a crucial link between government and communities.

He outlined the statutory powers under Section 12 of the Magistrates’ Court Law, enabling JPs to preserve peace, quell disturbances and seek assistance when necessary.

The AG emphasised that appointees were selected based on merit, moral standing, integrity, humility and commitment to peaceful conduct.

On his part, the Chief Judge, Justice Olisegun Odusola, who was represented by Justice Akintan Osadebe, described the office as “legal and quasi‑judicial,” instructing appointees to consult their handbook, which details duties such as mediating disputes, maintaining public order, administering oaths, visiting detention facilities, inspecting conditions and handling detainees’ complaints. Administrative responsibilities include certifying and authenticating documents and supporting official processes for visas, passports and other legal matters.

Justice Odusola, while administering the oath taking, stressed community obligations, including assisting local policing, guiding youth groups, advising community leaders and preventing conflicts.

Responding on behalf of the appointees, Bashorun ‘Seinde Arogbofa expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve, acknowledging the significance of their roles in promoting justice and peace across the State.

Arogbofa highlighted the historical importance of the appointment and pledged the appointees’ commitment to supporting the judiciary and advancing grassroots engagement in maintaining law and order.

He further emphasised the need for inclusivity, particularly recognising the contributions of rural communities, and called on all stakeholders to work collaboratively to ensure that the objectives of peace, justice and community development are effectively realised.