Case withdrawal: Ondo AG, Ajulo, Congratulates Gov Aiyedatiwa, Hails Agboola for Yielding Wise Counsel
Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON, has congratulated Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa following the withdrawal of the Supreme Court appeal by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the November 2024 governorship election, Hon. Agboola Alfred Ajayi.
Dr. Ajulo, who had consistently urged Ajayi to shun what he described as a “futile legal battle,” commended the former Deputy Governor for finally embracing wise counsel and aligning with the collective good of Ondo State.
In a statement, Ajulo described Ajayi’s decision to discontinue the litigation as an act of statesmanship and maturity, noting that it tallies with the advice he had earlier given both as a colleague in the legal profession and as a brother.
“On several occasions in my statements, I had appealed to my brother, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, to reflect deeply on the broader implications of endless court battles. I reminded him that the electoral mandate had been clearly established by the people, who voted massively across all 18 local government areas of the state, delivering an unprecedented 18-0 victory- the first in the history of Ondo State. I stressed that it was a near-impossibility to overturn such a well-settled verdict. Beyond law and politics, I spoke to him as a friend who shares a robust professional bond, urging him to redirect his energy and intellect toward the development of our dear State.” Dr. Ajulo recalled?
The Attorney General referenced his earlier public interventions, notably after the July 31, 2025, Court of Appeal judgment affirming Governor Aiyedatiwa, where he congratulated the Governor and advised Ajayi to accept the verdict in good faith, saluting the judiciary and calling for unity in Ondo. He also highlighted his follow-up appeal, urging Ajayi to abandon “fruitless and endless pursuit of impossibilities” and instead join hands with the Governor in advancing the state’s progress.
“Today, I salute Hon. Agboola Ajayi for heeding this wise counsel. By withdrawing the appeal, he has demonstrated true leadership, dignity, and love for Ondo State. This singular act is a testament to his commitment to peace, unity, and the prosperity of our people.” He added.
While hailing Governor Aiyedatiwa for his patience and unwavering focus throughout the legal process, Ajulo noted that the stage is now set for inclusive governance. He expressed optimism that Ajayi’s readiness to work with the Governor would further strengthen democracy and foster the development agenda of Ondo State.
“The time for politics has passed; the time for governance is now. Together, with unity and shared vision, Ondo State will attain greater heights.” The HAG stressed.
Dr. Ajulo also took a moment to salute the legal luminaries who represented both Governor Aiyedatiwa and Hon. Agboola Ajayi throughout the litigation, praising their professionalism and commitment to the rule of law. He commended senior advocates including Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN; Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN; Charles Edosomwan, SAN; Tayo Oyetibo, SAN; Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN; and Remi Olatubora, SAN, for their exemplary advocacy, while also acknowledging the appellants’ counsel for their diligence and dedication. According to him, “the efforts of the learned counsels not only enriched the democratic process but also reinforced public confidence in the judiciary as the bedrock of Nigeria’s democracy.”
