The Ondo State chapter of the People Democractic Party (PDP) has called for the resignation of the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Kayode Ajulo, following the appointment of Transition Committees for 18 Local Governments and 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, despite a court injunction.
The PDP accused Ajulo of violating his oath of office by endorsing the Governor’s decision, which they claim tramples on the constitution and disregards a Supreme Court pronouncement on LCDAs. In response, Ajulo defended the appointments, asserting that they are within the Governor’s constitutional rights.
Ajulo stated, “The appointment of Transition Committees is a lawful exercise of the Governor’s constitutional powers. These Committees are intended to ensure seamless transition and continuity of government business in the affected areas. The judgment of Hon Justice A.O Adebusuoye on 20th June, 2024, only declared the Local Government Creation Law 2023 unconstitutional, but did not invalidate the executive and administrative powers of the Governor of Ondo State to take steps that will ensure effective and good governance of any part of the State.”
Ajulo further emphasized that the legality of the LCDAs is under appeal, and the Governor’s actions are not in contempt of the court’s judgment but a measure to maintain uninterrupted governance.
However, PDP Publicity Secretary Kennedy Peretei criticized Ajulo’s stance, arguing that he failed to cite any constitutional provision supporting the Governor’s appointments. Peretei remarked, “If a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who is expected to know the laws of our land, is urging Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa to trample on our Constitution and Supreme Court pronouncement, then he no longer deserves to serve as the Chief Law Officer of the State.”
Peretei referenced a landmark judgment on July 11, 2024, where a seven-man panel of the Supreme Court declared that democratically elected Local Governments are sacrosanct and non-negotiable. Justice Emmanuel Agim, delivering the judgment, criticized state governments for appointing loyalists instead of allowing elected Local Government Councils to function.
“It is very unfortunate that Ajulo tried in vain to legitimize the illegality of his Governor the same day the Supreme Court made the declaration,” Peretei said. He urged those appointed to the Transition Committees not to assume their roles, warning that any expenditures made would be legally recovered.
Peretei concluded by advising Ajulo to resign immediately, stating, “Since Kayode Ajulo, SAN is incapable of advising the Governor according to law, he is advised to resign immediately.”
The Ondo State Government has maintained its commitment to upholding the laws and ensuring good governance for all citizens. The controversy continues as the legal process unfolds.
