Ondo Ex- Police commissioner, Afolabi, appointed first Justice of Peace, JP

By Dayo Johnson Akure

Olutokunbo Afolabi, a former Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, has made history as the first Police Commissioner ever to be appointed a Justice of the Peace (JP) in the state.

The state governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, conferred the honour during the inauguration of 130 new Justices of the Peace in Akure, the state capital, nearly 17 years of inactivity.

Afolabi, who once led security operations in the State, was celebrated as a symbolic bridge between law enforcement and grassroots justice.

His appointment was widely described as a recognition of his integrity, service record and contribution to maintaining peace and order in Ondo State.

Speaking shortly after the ceremony, Afolabi expressed profound appreciation to governor Aiyedatiwa for what he described as a “historic and humbling honour.”

Afolabi noted that being the first police commissioner to receive such recognition, underscores the administration’s commitment to strengthening the justice architecture through credible and experienced personalities.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, who led the inauguration alongside the Attorney General, Dr Kayode Ajulo, SAN, and Chief Judge of the State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, said reviving the JP office aligns with his administration’s ‘Order, Security and the Rule of Law’ agenda.

He urged Afolabi and other new JPs to use their experience to maintain peace, mediate disputes, and reinforce justice at the grassroots.

Aiyedatiwa urged the new JPs to play their part in enhancing local security, peace and justice in their respective communities.

The governor reminded the new JP appointees that their office is a “sacred responsibility,” requiring integrity, wisdom, decorum and fairness.

While commending their selection, he 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, the Governor 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 remarks, the Attorney General, Dr Ajulo, traced the JP institution to its medieval origins and emphasised that appointments were based strictly on merit, integrity and service to community.

The Chief Judge, represented by Justice Akintan Osadebe, highlighted the quasi-judicial roles of JPs, including dispute resolution, public order maintenance, authentication of documents and routine inspection of detention facilities.

Responding on behalf of appointees, Bashorun ’Seinde Arogbofa pledged unwavering commitment to peace, justice and community development across the State.

While Afolabi stood out as the most notable security-sector appointee, other distinguished personalities were also conferred with the JP title.

They include the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji; 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..

Prominent religious and traditional leaders who made the list, include Bishop Felix Adejumo, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi; the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye ; and the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Kiladejo.

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