Former Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Olutokunbo Afolabi, has made history as the first Police Commissioner ever to be appointed a Justice of the Peace (JP) in the State.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa conferred the honour during the inauguration of 130 new Justices of the Peace in Akure, on Friday marking the revival of the office after 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.”
He 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.
The Governor urged Afolabi and other new JPs to use their experience to maintain peace, mediate disputes, and reinforce justice at the grassroots. He also announced the approval for the recruitment of 500 new Amotekun officers to further enhance community security.
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.
These include the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji; top security heads such as the Amotekun Commander, the NSCDC Commandant, the Comptroller of Immigration and the Brigade Commander of 32 Artillery Brigade.
Prominent religious and traditional leaders also made the list, including Bishop Felix Adejumo, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi; the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye III; and the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Kiladejo.
