Kano Orders Probe Into Death Of Patient In Whose Stomach Doctors Forgot a Pair Of Scissors After Surgery

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January 13, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Government on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, informed that they have launched an inquest into the circumstances surrounding the death of a patient, Aishatu Umar, at the state-owned Abubakar Imam Urology Centre after a surgery.

The Source reports that Mrs Umar died following an alleged professional negligence on the part of medical personnel who operated on her about four months ago.

A family member, Abubakar Mohammed, alleged that the deceased died after enduring months of excruciating pains resulting from the negligence of the medical team who left a pair of scissors in her abdomen after a surgery.

According to Mohammed, Aishatu began to experience unusual abdominal pains some weeks after the said surgery conducted in September 2025.

But despite repeated visits and complaints to the authorities of the hospital, no serious professional assistance and solution could be offered by the hospital medical personnel who were only alleged to be offering the deceased pain-relieving medicines instead of conducting tests or scans to ascertain the cause(s) of the ceaseless abdominal pains.

However, Mohammed regretted that when the tests and scans were belatedly conducted a few days ago , it was discovered that a pair of scissors was left in the deceased body during the September 2025 surgery.

“She underwent surgery at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre in September, 2025. After that, she complained of severe abdominal pains for months.

” Each time she returned to the hospital, she was given painkillers.

” It was two days ago that scans were carried out with doctors discovering that scissors had been forgotten inside her body.

” Plans were made for another surgery, but she passed on before help could come .

“How can medical professionals forget a pair of scissors inside a patient’s body? This is totally unacceptable ,and damages the integrity of the sector”, Mohammed fumed.

In a statement from its spokesperson Samira Suleiman, the Kano state Hospital Management Board, HMB, on Tuesday assured that an immediate and thorough investigation has been launched to establish the facts of the matter.

The directive for the probe which was issued by the Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr Mansur Mudi Nagoda ,is coming against the backdrop of growing public outcry over the unfortunate development.

The Board assured that apart from being thorough, the inquest will be transparently and professionally conducted.

“The investigation will be transparent, impartial and professional. Appropriate actions will be taken in line with established regulations should any case of negligence be established”, the Board stated.

2027 Rivers Rainbow Coalition: You Are On Your Own, IPAC Tells Wike

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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January 13, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, has distanced itself from the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister Nyesom Wike’s claim of the formation of a “Rainbow Coalition” to promote the second term ambition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Rivers State.

This is as the umbrella body of registered political parties in Nigeria insisted that no one, including Wike, has the mandate to speak and or act for IPAC in the negotiations, formations and announcements of political preferences and alliances.

The Source reports that the FCT Minister who is presently embroiled in a political face

-off with his estranged political godson Governor Siminalayi Fubara, during his just concluded ” thank-you-visit ” to the Rivers state grassroots , informed that the Peoples Democratic party PDP, All Progressive Congress APC and other political platforms have coalesced to power the Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Tinubu.

He subsequently enjoined other political forces in other states to adopt the Rivers state rainbow coalition model in their support and promotion of the return bid of the President.

“Now I don’t want to hear that you are from PDP or you are APC, and all that. From now we are one family members, who are working for the re-election bid of Mr President.

“There is nothing like PDP and APC in Rivers state. We are members of the Renewed Hope Family”, Wike told the people.

But in a statement issued on Tuesday January 13, 2026, IPAC’s spokesperson, Egbeola Martins, described Wike’s comments on rainbow coalition as not only unfounded, and misleading, but also baseless and untenable.

The Council emphasized that at no time did it mandate the FCT Minister or any other persons or groups to form or announce political preferences, alliances or electoral choices for registered political parties at any levels in the country.

IPAC, therefore, described as worrisome and shocking that Wike, could arrogate to himself the power to negotiate, form and announce alliances and coalitions for political parties in the country.

“IPAC notes with utmost concern the recent claim credited to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike ,to the effect that all political parties will allegedly align under his leadership in a so-called ‘Rainbow Coalition to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

“We categorically state that this assertion is unfounded, misleading and only exist in the imagination of the FCT Minister.

“At no time has he ( Wike) been granted the mandate by IPAC or by any registered political parties to speak on their behalf or to determine at either the state or national level their political preferences, alliances or choice of candidates for the 2027 elections.

“For the avoidance of doubt, political parties in Nigeria are independent institutions governed by their constitutions, structures, organs and internal democratic processes.

“Decisions relating to coalitions, alliances or endorsements can only emanate from the duly constituted organs of the respective political parties and not from any individuals , irrespective of position or influence”, Martins stated.

According to the IPAC spokesman, contrary to the misleading narratives being pushed by Wike , the body is aware that a significant number of registered political parties in Nigeria are mulling the option of unconditional support for Governor Fubara in the count down to the 2027 general elections.

“This includes the possibility of not fielding gubernatorial candidates ,as a voluntary sacrifice aimed at restoring peace , stability and effective governance in Rivers state ,values currently under strain and of paramount importance to the good people of Rivers state”, IPAC noted.

However, the Council emphasized that this option is entirely within the purview of the political parties concerned ,as well as a decision driven solely by collective solidarity and not personal interests.

Edo Anti Kidnapping Protest: Akpot-Uduaghan, HURIWA Flay Arrest Of Ekpoma Protesters

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Ayodele Oni

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January 13, 2026

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Ekpoma Residents Protest Incessant Kidnappings and Killing.

By Ayodele Oni

The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, (HURIWA), have demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the 52 suspects, among whom are students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, (AAU), Edo State, who were arrested following protests over rising kidnappings and other security threats in the region.

The Kogi Central Senator in a statement on Tuesday, criticised the arrest and continued detention of the students.

She described their arrest as an attempt to stifle legitimate civic participation and silence young people speaking out against insecurity.

The Senator argued that demonstrations and public advocacy should not be treated as criminal acts in a democracy.

This is even as she accused the Edo State authorities of missing the real issue, urging them to confront the worsening security situation, rather than targeting those drawing attention to it.

“Dialogue, not detention, is the pathway to peace and progress. Our youths must not be criminalised for speaking up and protesting about issues that affect their environment, welfare, and future.

“The government of Edo State must focus on addressing the concerns of kidnappings and other forms of insecurity, rather than suppressing discerning and courageous voices,” she said.

The senator stressed that peaceful protest is protected under the Constitution and remains one of the most important ways citizens, especially young people, can demand accountability from those in power.

“Silencing students through arrests only deepens mistrust and widens the gap between government and the governed. Engagement and honest dialogue are the responsible responses,” Akpoti-Uduaghan added.

She expressed solidarity with the detained students and their families, saying her intervention is consistent with her long-standing commitment to justice, democratic freedoms and the empowerment of young Nigerians.

HURIWA described as worrisome the decision of the Edo state Police command on the orders of Governor Monday Okpebholo to sneak into the students hostels of the Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma and abducted them forcefully.

HURIWA in a statement by Emmanuel Onwubiko, national coordinator of the organisation, demanded of Governor Okpebholo to immediately free the prisoners of conscience.

It noted that the students numbering about 52 were randomly arrested in their hostel on the “wrongful pretence” that they participated in the anti-kidnapping, anti-insecurity protest in Ekpoma, Edo state, stressing that there was no justification whatsoever for such an action under the Nigerian law.

The human rights group pointed out that the 52 students were remanded in a correctional facility after a midnight crackdown by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force on hostels across Ekpoma in the Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

It particularly condemned the application of brute force and the adoption of the methodology used by Islamic terrorists and kidnappers by the Nigeria police, thus demanded their freedom without further delay.

HURIWA said; “Any attempt to detain these students longer than prescribed by the constitution which is 24 hours is unconstitutional, thus termed despicable and unjust”.

Edo Govt Fingers External Sponsors Behind Ekpoma Protest

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Ayodele Oni

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January 13, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The Edo State Government has pointed accusing fingers at some indigenes of the state resident abroad for being behind the recent bloody protest at the University town of Ekpoma.

The protest, triggered by continuous kidnappings in the town, led to the destruction of valuable properties including the Monarch’s palace.

Police had on Monday arraigned 52 suspects in connection with the incident with the court ordering their Remand at Correction centre till next month.

In a statement on Tuesday, the state government, dismissed circulating claims of a protest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, insisting that the incident was a coordinated riot allegedly sponsored by individuals operating from abroad.

In a statement, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Patrick Ebojele, stated that the government described several viral social media reports as false, misleading and part of a deliberate attempt to destabilise the state.

It said investigations by security agencies revealed that the violence was orchestrated by a Nigerian resident in Russia, alongside other collaborators overseas, who allegedly provided funding and coordination from the diaspora.

According to the government, the sponsors contacted individuals within Ekpoma to organise riots not only in the town, but also in Auchi, Irrua and even around the Government House in Benin City.

“The state government firmly denied claims that those arrested in connection with the violence were students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma.

“It clarified that AAU is currently closed and that all students had vacated the hostels long before the incident occurred.

“Officials explained that those arrested were intercepted while allegedly moving towards the university to vandalise property, while others were identified through viral videos showing acts of arson and destruction during the riot.

“The suspects arrested are rioters, not peaceful protesters,” the government stated, adding that the arrests were based on clear evidence, including video footage.

It also stressed that the incident has no connection with AAU students or the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

The government further debunked another video circulating online and tagged as a kidnapping incident in Ekpoma, describing it as a gross misrepresentation aimed at spreading fear and damaging the image of the administration.

There were also indications, the government said, that opposition elements, possibly with foreign backing, are sponsoring the unrest to discredit the Edo State Government and create chaos.

While reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property, the state assured residents that it is working closely with security agencies to maintain law and order.

It acknowledged that peaceful protest remains a constitutional right but warned that violence, vandalism, rioting and looting would not be tolerated.

Residents of Ekpoma were assured that the situation is under control, with peace and normalcy gradually returning to the town. The public was urged to ignore fake videos and unverified reports and to continue with their lawful activities.

Meanwhile, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo state has condemned the handling of the worsening insecurity in Ekpoma and environs, describing it as a combination of incompetence, indifference, and authoritarian reflexes.

The PDP said Ekpoma has been abandoned to kidnappers and violent criminals, with residents living in fear as attacks escalated unchecked.

The party accused the Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration of having no credible security strategy, noting that instead of confronting criminal gangs through intelligence-led policing and coordinated action, the APC government had chosen the easier but disgraceful option of unleashing state power against unarmed, peaceful citizens.

According to the party, “the arrest and continued detention of peaceful protesters, many of them students, exposed true character of the APC government in Edo State: brutal towards citizens, timid before criminals, and hostile to democratic expression.

“It was unequivocally opposed to kidnapping and killings in all their forms and demanded the immediate dismantling of criminal networks operating freely across Ekpoma and neighbouring communities.

“It said the persistence of these crimes was a direct indictment of the APC government’s failure to govern,” the party added.

Fed. High Court Sacks Oluyede As Ekiti PDP Gov. Candidate

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Ayodele Oni

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January 13, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

A Federal High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, has sacked Wole Oluyede as the flagbearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and ordered a rerun of the party’s primary election.

In his ruling, Justice Babs Kuewumi upheld the concerns of irregularities raised by Prince Funso Ayeni during the exercise.

Ayeni had challenged the process, citing the questionable manipulation of the approved delegate list on the day of the election, an action that undermined transparency, internal democracy and fairness.

The court found that the gross abuse of process, disregard for electoral guidelines, and violation of the fundamental principles governing the Peoples Democratic Party were inconsistent with both party rules and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which binds all individuals and institutions without exception.

Oluyede’s name has been missing on the list of political parties’ candidate earlier displayed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In his reaction, the South-West zonal Publicity Secretary of PDP, Mr Sanya Atofarati noted that the party has the right to appeal the judgment, exuding confidence that PDP’s legal team will act on it immediately.

Atofarati maintained that the court ruling does not stop the arrangement of the party for the forthcoming election, as campaign committee has been constituted with massive grassroot mobilisation across Ekiti, ahead of the June 20 governorship poll.

He described the complaint as a conspiracy against the party and its flag bearer, especially in the case of a primary election that was free and fair, as reported by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Officials monitoring the exercise.

His words, “It will appear like a setback going to the fact that by now, people are resolved to change the government in the state because of the underperformance of the current administration.

“So, looking at other alternatives, Ekiti people have been able to say that the People’s Democratic Party is the only political party that has been tested and is trusted.

“And they are looking inward to look at what PDP, the caliber of candidates the People’s Democratic Party will nominate in the election. And the party in its result, after a thorough process of party primaries, the delegates in the primary, elected Dr. Wole Oluyede as the candidate.

“And that being said, some aggrieved members or aspirants of the party went to court to ask the court to nullify the process of the primaries.

“One of the aspirants willfully withdrew her own petition. The party was left with one aspirant. So now the aspirant is asking the court to give judgment to declare the process nullified.

“Now the court has answered that and the process was being said to have been nullified but the truth is, it is the first leg of the judicial process, which means the party has the right to appeal this judgment and I believe the party’s legal team are looking into that and will react appropriately.

“However, Ekiti people need to understand the level of conspiracy against the choice of the People’s Democratic Party and its candidates in this 2026 election. We must continue to remain resolute.

“We are not going to be distracted, the people should expect that we are not relenting and they should be aware that our members have commenced the mobilization drive from units to unit word to word and across the 16 local government of Ekiti state.”

Fayose To Fubara: Who Made You ‘001’? Respect Wike

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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January 13, 2026

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Ekiti state former Governor Ayodele Fayose has criticized the Rivers state governor, Siminalaye Fubara for describing himself as ‘001’ in the state, describing the act as a disrespect to his former godfather, Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

The governor and Wike have parted ways over the control of the soul of the state.

The former Ekiti helmsman is a close ally of the FCT Minister.

Fayose spoke on Arise Television on Tuesday amid the deep-seated political crisis in the state, as the two former allies clash in their quest to assert themselves over the control of the state.

Those watching the state closely said the governor stoke more fire in the crisis recently by declaring himself ‘001’ after he defected to the ruling APC from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The political crisis in the state had also worsen last week after Wike’s allies in the state House of Assembly served the governor with Impeachment Notice.

Fubara has however called for calm, assuring the people of the state that the face-off wiill soon become a thing of the past.

According to the former Ekiti helmsman, Fubara has forgotten that Wike made him who he’s as the governor of the oil bearing state. The governor is nothing without the FCT Minister, Fayose insisted.

“There’s a difference between the office and 001. Who gave you the platform to be calling yourself 001?” Fayose stated saying the governor mst accpet Wike as his leader.

He warned the governor to be wary of those pushing him against his former godfather, stating that they will abandon him when the chips are down.

“Who is Governor Fubara? You didn’t know Fubara three years ago. You never heard of a Fubara three years ago,” he said.

“Even if Wike said he’s the leader, it is not to the mouth of Governor Fubara to be contesting that. We all know the truth,” Fayose said.

Former Ogun State First Lady Dies

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Adesina Soyooye

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January 13, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

A former First Lady of Ogun State, Chief (Mrs) Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo is dead.

The deceased was the wife of the first civilian Governor of Ogun State ( October 1979 to December 1993),

Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo.

The family, in a short statement, said it announces “with deep regret but with gratitude to Almighty God, the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Chief (Mrs) Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo (1925-2026) who was called to glory on Monday, 12 January.”

The statement noted that she lived a fulfilled life and left a legacy of love, strength and faith behind.

Her husband, born on 12 February 1927, died on April 14, 1990.

Chief (Mrs) Onabanjo died at the age of 100 years.

APC Knocks Tambuwal: As Speaker You Did Nothing To Change Nigeria

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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January 13, 2026

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A former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal has received knocks from the Lagos All Progressives Congress, APC over his recent remark to the effect that Nigeria needs urgent “salvation” from its current challenges.

Tambuwal had while speaking during his 60^th birthday celebrations in Abuja noted that the country is in a perilous situation, that something is “ fundamentally wrong” in the manner the Bola Ahmed Tinubu ruling APC is running the country.

Reacting, in a statement, the Lagos APC spokesman Seye Oladejo accused the former Speaker of suffering from political “amnesia” if he failed to remember that he was part of the leaders who led the country to where it’s currently stands.

According to him, Tambuwal’s outrage is unnecessarily because when he was in power he failed to do something to correct the problem, adding that the challenges facing the country did not start with Tinubu.

Oladejo urged the former Speaker to behave like a statesman instead of grandstanding about the situation in the country, which he and others inadvertently foisted on the country.

‘’We consider this intervention a classic case of misplaced moral outrage by a principal actor who, when entrusted with responsibility, failed to deploy the very “salvation” he now theatrically advertises,” he said.

Adding, ‘’At moments like this, statesmanship demands introspection and restitution-not grandstanding. Nigerians remember the years when Tambuwal occupied strategic positions in government and the dividends of leadership expected at those times. Sadly, rather than offering a candid reckoning with his record or apologising for missed opportunities, he has chosen to sermonise from a pedestal of selective amnesia.

‘’More instructively, his recent 60th birthday colloquial presented a rare lifeline to truly confess, seek forgiveness and embrace restitution from a nation that gave him so much but received next to nothing in return. It was an auspicious occasion that should have lent itself to sober reflection and an honest recap of stewardship. Instead, that opportunity was cleverly sidestepped. Tales of sainthood ring hollow when public service records and recent legal tussles over graft remain unresolved footnotes that were conspicuously omitted.’’

Tambuwal served as the Speaker of the House of Representatives under the APC before he left the party before the 2023 elections.

Togolese-Led Suspected Human Traffickers In Ondo Police Command’s Net

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Ayodele Oni

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January 13, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Detectives from the Ondo State Police Command have dismantled a suspected human trafficking syndicate at Oda, arresting three suspects and rescuing several victims during a targeted security operation.

Spokesperson of the command, Abayomi Jimoh disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists.

According to the police, investigations showed that a 30-year-old Togolese national, John Apiah, allegedly worked with two female accomplices to deceive victims with false assurances of securing foreign passports and United States visas.

The suspects were said to have obtained substantial sums in foreign currency from their victims before initially accommodating them in a hotel and later relocating them to a private residence in Oda area of Akure.

Police statement explained that “preliminary investigation revealed that sometime in June 2024, one John Apiah, male, aged 30 years, a Togolese national, came to Oda Town, Akure to work as hair stylist, where he met two young women identified as Blessings Assiah, female, aged 22 years, and Laro Larisa, female, aged 21 years.

“The trio subsequently rented a one room and palour apartment from one Owoeye, male, aged 40 years, in Oda Town.

“Further investigation showed that John allegedly used the two women to lure unsuspecting victims with promises of procuring international passports and American visas.

“In the course of this fraudulent operation, the suspect reportedly collected the sum of 600,000 CFA from Charity Paketerima, female, aged 27 years; 500,000 CFA from Mohammed Assiah, male, aged 25 years; and 500,000 CFA from Kanate Dekadja, male, aged 35 years.

“After collecting the money, the victims were initially lodged in a hotel before being moved to the suspects’ rented apartment in Oda Town, where they were kept under suspicious circumstances.

“Acting on credible intelligence, the Police promptly swung into action, leading to the rescue of the victims and the arrest of the suspects.

“The Commissioner of Police reiterated that the Command has repeatedly warned landlords and property owners to conduct proper background checks on prospective tenants and to be vigilant against allowing their premises to be used for criminal activities, stressing that such negligence would attract serious legal consequences.”

Arrest Warrant On Ondo Commissioner: AG Says No Existing Court Order To That Effect

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Ayodele Oni

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January 13, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ondo State, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, has faulted an arrest warrant issued on the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Seun Osamaye by a Court in the State.

The State Chief Law Officer maintained that as at this moment, there is no material evidence before the Office of the Attorney General and/or any other person or authority confirming the existence of any written court order or warrant of arrest that has been duly issued and served.

Magistrate Damilola Sekoni had last year issued the warrant of arrest of the commissioner for alleged unruly behaviour to another magistrate.

The commissioner was being accused of an alleged assault of a Chief Magistrate, Mrs Temitope Alphonso, during an official visit to her office.

Mrs Seun Osamaye: Court Orders her arrest and detention.

It was alleged that the commissioner verbally and physically assaulted Magistrate Alphonso at the Ministry of Women Affairs during an official visit by the judicial officer to the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, in the presence of staff.

However since the order was issued, Osamaye has been appearing at a public function alongside Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, in the presence of security agents that are supposed to effect the arrest.

Reacting, Dr Ajulo stressed that what is presently in circulation remains largely speculative and rooted in media narratives rather than in properly extracted and served court processes.

According to him, immediately reports of an alleged order filtered into the public space, the Office of the Attorney General took proactive and responsible steps to apply for the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the purported court order, being the only lawful basis upon which advice can be rendered to the Governor and any further constitutional action taken.

“Unfortunately, the day following when the purported order is said to have been given was the 1st of January, 2026, a New Year public holiday, while the second day, Friday the 2nd of January, was declared a work-free day.

“It is now within public knowledge that court workers embarked on an industrial action last Monday, the very day the request was made. Consequently, no written order has been issued, extracted, or served on any authority,” the Attorney General explained.

Dr. Ajulo emphasised that governance and law enforcement do not operate on hearsay, assumptions, or social media commentaries, but strictly on duly issued legal instruments that are properly extracted and served in accordance with the law.

“I owe both a constitutional duty and personal fidelity to the Governor, to the good people of Ondo State, and to the entire realm of justice.

“As a Minister in the Temple of Justice, and indeed, as a Prince within it, I can state without equivocation and on my honour that there has never been a court order issued that I would allow to be disobeyed. This instance will not be an exception.”

The Attorney General further clarified that it is legally impossible to act on, or advise on, a matter for which no formal court notice has been sighted assuring that once any such order is lawfully obtained, examined, and served, the government will take appropriate, lawful, and responsible steps strictly in line with due process.

He further stated that the Governor and the entire government of Ondo State hold the judiciary in the highest regard, noting that the title of Ambassador of Rule of Law in Nigeria bestowed on Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa is not ornamental, but a reflection of his consistent adherence to constitutional governance and respect for judicial authority.

Dr. Ajulo disclosed that he has engaged the Commissioner of Police and other critical stakeholders, as well as the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs, who has voluntarily resolved to approach law enforcement agencies.

He queried the legal basis upon which any arrest could be effected, stressing that without a duly issued and served court order, such action would amount to a violation of the law, as the purported order remains unavailable and unverified.

He noted that the issue will be appropriately addressed and conclusively resolved in accordance with due process when the court resumes.

The Attorney General cautioned against efforts to compel law enforcement agencies to act solely on the basis of media speculation, warning that any attempt to effect an arrest without a valid warrant or subsisting court order would itself constitute an abuse of legal process.

Dr. Ajulo confirmed ongoing efforts aimed at resolving the issues between the Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Temitope Alphonsus, and the Commissioner, whom he described as respected sisters and women of great accomplishments, with a shared commitment to service and the administration of justice.