By Juliet Umeh

The Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, has formally rejected recent claims made against Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in a published commentary, stressing that the governor’s record of service demonstrates measurable progress across key sectors.

Ajulo explained that while he had initially chosen restraint, the nature of the allegations required clarification to protect the integrity of the office and the administration. He emphasized that the governor’s achievements are verifiable and reflect a commitment to development across Ondo State.

He highlighted that over 190 kilometres of roads have been commissioned or advanced across the three senatorial districts within the governor’s first year in office. Projects include the Aiyegunle–Iwaro Oka Road, Igoba Township Road, Alagbaka Extension, and several clusters in Owo. Traditional leaders, including the Olubaka of Oka, have publicly commended these efforts.

In the health sector, Ajulo noted that 112 primary healthcare centres have been renovated or newly constructed across the 18 local government areas. The Orange Health Insurance Scheme has been expanded, and the Omi Irorun O’Datiwa Water Project at the Federal University of Technology Akure Teaching Hospital now serves thousands of residents. New centres have also been opened in Adegbola and Surulere.

Education has seen the construction or renovation of 280 classrooms, provision of perimeter fencing for schools, and recruitment of over 2,000 teachers. Ajulo further commended the governor’s role in securing the revalidation of the Ondo Deep Sea Port licence and attracting investors for refinery and petrochemical projects in the state.

On political tensions, Ajulo stated that Governor Aiyedatiwa condemned violence during the APC ward congress in Idanre, directed security agencies to investigate, and confirmed that arrests had been made. He dismissed speculation about a “third-term ambition,” stressing that the governor remains focused on his four-year “OUR EASE” mandate renewed in November 2024.

Ajulo also emphasized financial accountability, noting that no state funds have been used for the governor’s personal legal matters. He underscored that the administration operates transparently and cooperates fully with federal authorities.

Concluding his statement, the Attorney General warned that unfounded imputations against the governor could carry legal consequences under Nigeria’s criminal and civil laws. He reaffirmed that Governor Aiyedatiwa is committed to stability and development, insisting that progress in Ondo State cannot be overshadowed by misinformation.