Ondo Attorney General Now  Propaganda Machinery Of Govt  – SDP

By Ayodele Oni

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ondo State has expressed concern over the role of the Attorney General and commissioner for justice, Olukayode Ajulo SAN in the altercation between the House of Assembly and commissioner  for finance.

The opposition party said Ajulo’s role has deviated from his primary function as the Chief law officer of the state to that of a government propagandist.

The assembly on Thursday refused to present the bill for the supplementary appropriation for debate for second reading following the absence of the Commissioner for Finance, Mrs Omowumi Isaac at the plenary despite being summoned by the Assembly.

While defending the action of his colleague, Ajulo stated that “The Commissioner of Finance, Mrs. Omowumi Isaac, was engaged in an official trip outside the state due to her demanding schedule.

“It is crucial to recognize her extensive responsibilities, which include attending various statutory meetings such as RAMFAC, the Commissioners of Finance Meeting, and numerous discussions on investment, economics, and finance.

“In light of this, she promptly addressed the Assembly’s invitation by sending the Permanent Secretary—who is the most senior official and accounting officer in her ministry—to communicate her circumstances.”

The SDP in a statement on Saturday, signed by Oyeniyi Iwakun Publicity Secretary, said it “views with grave concern the recent statement by the State Attorney General, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, OON, SAN, which demonstrates a troubling deviation from his constitutional role as the state’s chief legal officer.

“It is deeply disturbing that the Attorney General has taken it upon himself to become the administration’s Public Relations Officer, attempting to explain away the Finance Commissioner’s failure to honor a legislative summons and dismissing legitimate concerns about tensions between the executive and legislative branches.

“Since when did the office of the Attorney General become a propaganda machinery for the executive branch?

“The people of Ondo State deserve better than a chief legal officer who spends more time crafting political narratives than upholding the rule of law.

“The Attorney General’s statement, filled with excuses and political platitudes, undermines the principle of separation of powers and legislative oversight.

“A summons by the House of Assembly is not a mere invitation to be delegated to a Permanent Secretary, regardless of how busy the Commissioner’s schedule may be.

“We call on Dr. Ajulo to remember his sacred duty as Attorney General – to serve as an independent legal officer, not a praise singer or defender of executive actions.

“The office of the Attorney General should be focused on upholding the constitution, not explaining away potential constitutional crises.

“The SDP reminds the good people of Ondo State that effective governance relies on each office holder staying within their constitutional boundaries. When an Attorney General becomes an administration’s chief apologist, it compromises the entire system of checks and balances.

“We will continue to vigilantly monitor this dangerous trend and speak out against any actions that threaten our democratic principles.”