Celebrating Democracy and Integrity: Ondo AG Highlights AAUA’s 25th Anniversary, Aso Rock-Alagbaka Synergy, and Governor Aiyedatiwa’s Historic 18.0 Victory
Ondo State Attorney General and guest lecturer for the 25th Anniversary of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, OON, delivered a thought-provoking lecture yesterday, highlighting the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and good governance.
He emphasised that democracy embodies the people’s free choice of leadership, the pursuit of collective aspirations, and the exercise of their sovereign will. However, he noted that the rule of law acts as a critical check, ensuring balance and preventing disorder.
Dr. Ajulo stated, “This synergy between democracy and the rule of law was vividly demonstrated in the recent Ondo State governorship election. The election was smooth, free, and credible, a testament to the free will of the people, as enshrined in democracy.”
Describing the election as “historic,” he noted it was the first governorship election in Ondo State’s history without any reports of violence, ballot snatching, vote stuffing, or intimidation of voters and candidates. “The peace-loving approach ensured no incidents before, during, or after the election, which characterised the maturity of the Ondo State’s democratic process,” he said.
The AG credited Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s peace-loving approach as the reason for his ability to turn adversaries into allies and win political bigwigs across the State to his side. ‘The governor’s leadership not only secured the resounding 18.0 victory but also fostered an atmosphere of inclusivity and mutual respect.”
In a notable moment, the representative of Hon. Festus Akingbaso, the PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate, expressed skepticism regarding Dr. Ajulo’s reference to the concept of 18.0, which the AG had mentioned as a benchmark. Hon. Akingbaso admitted that the notion of 18.0 gave him headaches and was bitter for him to swallow as he initially sought to discredit the process and outcome of the election.
Dr. Ajulo, however, responded firmly: “Truth is bitter, but it remains the reality. If the election was about vote buying of five thousand to ten thousand Naira, how could the elites’ votes have been bought?”
He further pointed out that traditionally, incumbents rarely win in Alagbaka, the seat of power in Ondo State and where there is full concentration of elites as residents. Yet, Governor Aiyedatiwa broke this trend. The elites residing in Alagbaka, known for their financial independence, made it clear that their votes reflected genuine confidence in the governor’s leadership. In the end, The PDP and one of the University honourary conceded defeat, humorously stating that his party members would “farm for the next four years” and acknowledging that “Lucky is indeed Lucky and would be allowed to serve his four-year term.
The law officer’s commitment to education and youth development shone through his generous contributions during the event. He donated to the school, the Faculty of Law, and the AAUA Student Union Government and provided a cash prize for the best graduating student in law.
He reiterated that the importance of governance lies in its foundation of integrity, the rule of law, and democratic principles and the people – like Americans, should trust in God and continue to do what is right by obeying our Laws.
