Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has underscored the importance of a fair, equitable, and transparent justice system, saying the survival of democracy in Nigeria depends largely on the integrity of the judiciary and the legal profession.
Governor Adeleke made the remarks at the 2026 annual national conference of Egbe Amofin Oodua held in Ile-Ife, where he urged judicial officers and legal practitioners to uphold the rule of law and maintain the highest ethical standards in the discharge of their duties.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi, Adeleke noted that the country was facing challenges in its democratic process, stressing that democracy would only thrive when judicial officials and lawyers remained committed to professional ethics and impartiality.
“The legal profession occupies a unique position in every democratic society because it serves as the bridge between power and justice, between authority and accountability, and between the government and the governed,” the governor said.
He added that the theme of the conference, “Advancing Constitutional Democracy, Accountability and Responsible Governance: The Role of Law,” reflected the realities confronting Nigeria and other democratic societies around the world.
“Enduring democracy can only flourish where the rule of law reigns supreme. No society can attain sustainable peace, development, or prosperity where laws are applied selectively, justice is delayed, or where citizens lose confidence in the institutions established to protect their rights,” he said.
Adeleke described the Constitution as the supreme expression of the people’s collective will, maintaining that the strength of democracy lies not only in the existence of laws but also in the commitment of institutions and citizens to obey and enforce them fairly and impartially.
He said the judiciary, often described as the last hope of the common man, must continue to inspire confidence among the public, saying, “Our judges must therefore continue to uphold the highest standards of integrity, independence, courage, and impartiality. They must remain guided solely by the law, the facts before them, and the dictates of justice.”
The governor also called on legal practitioners to regard themselves not merely as advocates for clients but as custodians of justice whose primary responsibility is to preserve the legal system and advance the cause of justice.
He warned that perceptions of bias, favouritism, corruption, or undue influence in the administration of justice could erode public trust and weaken the moral authority of the courts.
“Public confidence in the judiciary is one of the most valuable assets of any democracy and must be protected at all costs,” he said.
Adeleke observed that judicial transparency had become increasingly important in electoral and democratic processes, insisting that court interventions in election-related disputes must be guided by law, evidence, fairness, and constitutional principles.
He urged political actors and other stakeholders to remain committed to lawful conduct, democratic values, and peaceful engagement, stressing that political competition should never undermine respect for the law or the integrity of democratic institutions.
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