Selective justice eroding Nigerians’ trust in institutions, Ondo attorney-general says

By Boye Oyeyemi

Ondo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON, has warned that selective justice, corruption and weak institutions are eroding Nigerians’ confidence in government and other public institutions.

Ajulo spoke on Sunday while delivering a lecture titled, “Justice, Equity and Fairness in Nigeria: Where Lies Our Hope?” at a quarterly programme of the League of Imams, Akure Land, held at the Central Mosque, Akure.

The senior advocate stressed that justice must be applied without regard to political affiliation, religion, ethnicity, family ties or social status, warning that citizens would continue to lose faith in the system when truth is sacrificed for power or convenience.

Quoting the Quran, Ajulo said believers are required to stand firmly for justice, even when doing so could go against themselves, their parents or relatives. He described justice as both a moral obligation and a divine command, rather than a political slogan.

He argued that addressing injustice was more fundamental than merely offering relief to its victims, explaining that while charity could alleviate suffering, justice addressed the circumstances that deprived people of their rights.

Ajulo identified corruption, weak institutions and the unequal application of the law as major threats to Nigeria’s justice system. He said restoring public confidence would require courageous and impartial judges, principled lawyers, responsible political leaders, disciplined security agencies and public servants committed to serving the people.

The commissioner also commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for investments in the state’s justice sector, including improved judicial infrastructure and increased manpower in the Ministry of Justice. He said the measures represented investments in public confidence, the rule of law and access to justice.

Ajulo urged religious and community leaders to help rebuild the moral foundation of society by promoting honesty, fairness and respect for the rights of others. He called for a Nigeria where justice is determined by facts, truth and the law rather than friendship, political influence, religion or ethnicity.