Lawyers’ Group Gives Ondo Attorney General Seven Days To Resign, Gives Reasons

By Ayodele Oni

The political crisis in Ondo State is assuming another dimension as a group of legal practitioners in Ondo State under 100 Ondo State Lawyers For Democracy, has asked the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, in the State, Charles Titiloye, to resign his appointment.

The Lawyers’ Group premised its demand on alleged “Unlawful and Unconstitutional Acts” by the Commissioner

A letter on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, addressed to the Attorney General and signed by five officers of the group, stated that “It has come to our attention that several acts and omissions by the government of Ondo State have been carried out unlawfully and unconstitutionally, which raises serious concerns about the integrity and effectiveness of your leadership in upholding the rule of law.

“Firstly, we must bring to your attention the illegal inauguration of the newly appointed Local Government officials, which was done in direct disobedience to an Order of the State High Court.

“Such a blatant disregard for a court order undermines the very foundation of our judicial system and erodes public trust in the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.

“Furthermore, it has been widely reported that despite the incapacitation of the Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, you have refused to advise on the commissioning of the Deputy Governor as Acting Governor.

“This refusal raises serious concerns about the proper functioning of the government and the adherence to constitutional provisions in times of executive incapacitation.

Another troubling aspect is your defense of the government against the accusation made by your senior colleague and a respected counsel, Dr Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, regarding the alleged forgery of the incapacitated governor’s signature by some members of his cabinet of which you are one of them.

“Your denial without basis and apparent lies in this matter only serve to further undermine public confidence in your ability to uphold justice and truth.

“Moreover, we must express our concern over your unconstitutional and shallow interpretation of the law. As the Attorney General, it is your duty to provide accurate and sound legal advice to the government, ensuring that their actions remain within the boundaries of the constitution.

“However, your interpretations have been questionable and have raised doubts about your understanding of constitutional principles.

“Given the gravity of these issues, we respectfully request that you consider resigning from your position as Attorney General of Ondo State within seven days.

“It is imperative that the government of Ondo State be led by individuals who are committed to upholding the rule of law, protecting the principles of justice, and ensuring the well-being of the state’s citizens.

“As colleagues, we will like to draw your mind to the professional hazard that resorted from the actions and inactions of an Ex-Attorney-General of the Federation, Michael Aodoanka, when faced with a similar situation in the anal of history of the country.

“Further to your call for resignation, we also demand that you immediately put up a letter of apology to the National and the concerned Local body of Nigerian Bar Association within the same seven days.

“In the event that you choose not to resign, please be aware that we will report your conduct to the Legal Practitioner’s Disciplinary Committee, seeking for your name to be struck out from the roll of legal practitioners in Nigeria.

“We believe that such disciplinary action is necessary to maintain the integrity of the legal profession and to safeguard the interests of the people of Ondo State.”

Signatories are Kayode Mogbojuri,   National Co-cordinator;  Olugbenga Akinkuowo, Co-coordinator; Adewamiri Esther Ojo,                  Protem Secretary and Fadeshola Ojamomi, Publicity Secretary