Ondo State attorney-general and commissioner for justice, Dr Olukayode Ajulo, has raised the alarm over the high number of public assets in private hands in the state, one year after the demise of former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
LEADERSHIP Weekend recalls that Akeredolu died a year ago and a new administration led by the incumbent Lucky Aiyedatiwa was sworn in as substantive governor of the state on December 27, 2023.
In a shocking revelation, Ajulo, however, claimed that a significant portion of the state’s assets had been unlawfully transferred into private hands a year after transition.
In a statement made available to LEADERSHIP Weekend in Akure, on Friday, the AG who denounced the development as completely unacceptable, called for a united stand against the “misappropriation of public resources.”
Ajulo emphasized that, “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, 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 said.
While also expressing concern over attempts to withhold crucial information from Governor Aiyedatiwa, the commissioner warned 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 added.
Ajulo who noted the resistance encountered when questions are raised, observed that, “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.”
Reflecting on the legacy of the late Governor Akeredolu, Dr Ajulo remarked, the “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.
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