Ondo Attorney General, Raises Alarm Over State Assets in Private Hands, One Year After Transition

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…attempts to blackmail governor Aiyedatiwa will fail.

In a shocking revelation that has sparked concern across Ondo State, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Olukayode Ajulo, OON, SAN, has raised an urgent alarm about the alarming state of public assets. One year after the untimely passing of former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, the AG claimed that a significant portion of the State’s assets had been unlawfully transferred into private hands. He has denounced this as completely unacceptable and is calling for a united stand against the “misappropriation of public resources.”

During a candid review of the past year under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Dr. Ajulo emphasized, “As Attorney General, I must say, this is wrong; we cannot continue on this path.” He stressed the immediate need for transparency and accountability, referencing serious previous allegations about forged signatures used to facilitate dubious transactions before Akeredolu’s death.

As the Chief Law Officer of the state, Dr Ajulo highlighted his constitutional responsibility: “I must ensure that Ondo State operates within the framework of our constitution and laws. Our law enforcement and regulatory agencies must be fully accountable.” He also expressed concern over attempts to withhold crucial information from Governor Aiyedatiwa, warning that efforts to silence inquiries through blackmail and baseless accusations against the Governor and some of his Commissioners would not be tolerated. “Only the guilty should fear,” he said.

Dr. Ajulo noted the resistance encountered when questions are raised, observing, “Some vested interests have resorted to blackmail, alleging that Governor Aiyedatiwa is tarnishing the memory of the late Governor Akeredolu and attacking his nuclear and political family. But how? When? Where?. Some of these individuals have resorted to media attacks, yet they fail to explain why they continuously react without provocation.”

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Reflecting on the legacy of the late Governor Akeredolu, Dr. Ajulo remarked, “Arakunrin Akeredolu I knew would never have allowed state funds to be exploited like this.” He called on those involved in the misappropriation of assets to come forward or face the full force of the law.

In a moment of praise, Dr. Ajulo commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his leadership over the past year, noting his pragmatic approach and visionary leadership. “Your commitment lays a solid foundation for advancing infrastructure and upholding the rule of law,” he said. He emphasized that Aiyedatiwa’s initiatives honour Akeredolu’s legacy, reinforcing a commitment to fairness and justice.

Looking ahead, Dr. Ajulo proposed a comprehensive audit of State assets, aiming to restore accountability, and due process and ensure that public resources are effectively used for the benefit of all citizens of Ondo State.