Bi Ogun Eni Ba Dani Loju
By Allen Sowore, Esq.
I have no doubt about the character, qualifications, competence, and capacity of the majority of individuals in Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s team to deliver the true dividends of democracy. My plan is to begin this exposition with members of the State Executive Council, ministry by ministry. As the Yoruba adage says, “Bi ogun eni ba dani loju, a maa n fi n gbari ni” (If your own remedy works, you boldly display it). Permit me, therefore, to start with the Ministry of Justice, owing to my professional background in law.
One of my fondest memories while practicing in Abuja was visiting Castle of Law, Maitama—a fully established corporate and litigation law office equipped with state-of-the-art information technology to facilitate seamless operations locally and internationally. I often drew inspiration for law and legal practice from the chambers. That successful private practice, no doubt, influenced innovation and contributed significantly to the justice administration we now witness in the Sunshine State.
It is on record that one lawyer, who never wanted Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa to become Governor—even when the law clearly favoured him—has been moving from one court to another, seeking frivolous and irrelevant orders in a desperate attempt to bring down this administration. I will not dwell on the merit or otherwise of these cases, since they remain before competent courts of law. My concern here is how the State Attorney General, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, has handled them with uncommon professionalism.
I felt compelled to write this reflection after the Supreme Court’s final pronouncement on the 2024 Ondo State Governorship Election, affirming Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as duly elected—a victory that has also ushered in silent reforms and an ongoing overhaul of our justice system.
Since his appointment as Attorney General, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, CON, has thrown himself into the myriad of legal challenges confronting his principal, especially those arising from the governorship election—without losing any. Recognizing the weight of these battles, Ajulo assembled a formidable legal team, drawing on the expertise of some of Nigeria’s finest legal minds, including Wole Olanipekun, Adegboyega Awomolo, Tayo Oyetibo, Olusola Oke, Hakeem Afolabi, Ebun Olu-Adegboruwa, Prof. Remi Olatubora, and Prof. Abdul Kana. This collaborative approach underscores his commitment not only to defending his principal but also to safeguarding the integrity of Ondo State’s legal framework.
Long before his present role, Ajulo had already distinguished himself. As Chairman of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy in Ondo State, he worked tirelessly to recommend clemency for deserving prisoners, in line with Section 212 (1)–(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
While his recent courtroom triumphs have further elevated his stature, Ajulo’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s foremost lawyers was already firmly established. A man of principle, he never compromises his standards or shies away from tough decisions, regardless of whose interests may be affected. His vast expertise is matched by humility, and his work remains anchored in values rather than convenience or self-interest.
Most recently, a High Court of Justice sitting in Akure granted applications filed by the Ondo State Government in two separate suits involving the Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Omowumi Isaac, and the Ondo State House of Assembly.
In both matters, presided over by Honourable Justice Sunday Olorundahunsi, the Court stayed execution of its earlier rulings delivered on September 11, 2025, pending the determination of appeals already filed.
The earlier rulings had favoured the applicant—one against the Commissioner for Finance in Suit No. HCAK/294/CIV/2025, and the other against the House of Assembly, its Speaker, and Clerk in Suit No. HCAK/299/CIV/2025.
At Thursday’s proceedings, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON, personally led the government’s legal team—comprising Olabode Ayegbusi, Philips Batife, Owate Olubade, and Olofinbo Oluwole. They urged the Court to restrain the Respondent, either personally or through agents, from taking any steps to enforce or give effect to the rulings until the appeals are determined. Not many Attorneys General would go to court themselves to argue such matters. Ajulo did. And like our elders say: “Bi ogun eni ba dani loju, a maa n fi n gbari ni ooo!”
Justice Olorundahunsi, after hearing the submissions, granted the reliefs sought, thereby halting further action on the rulings pending appellate review.
With this development, both the Ministry of Finance and the Ondo State House of Assembly have secured legal reprieve—the execution of judgment is stayed until the Court of Appeal decides the substantive appeals. That is the position of the law!
Allen Sowore, Esq.
SSA to the Ondo State Governor on Strategic Communication
4th October, 2025
