Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo (SAN), speaks on a wide range of issues, including the recent APC defections, President Bola Tinubu’s appointments, economic reforms, Nnamdi Kanu’s case, and developments in Ondo State.

On Presidential Appointments:
Ajulo praised the legal propriety of President Tinubu’s recent appointments, noting that the process adheres strictly to the 1999 Constitution, including Section 171 on presidential powers and the federal character principle under Section 14(3). He emphasized that while politics may generate disagreement over names, the nominees are committed Nigerians who can serve the country well.

On 2027 Elections Speculation:
He dismissed claims that the appointments were election-driven, stating that filling vacant ambassadorial positions was overdue and necessary for Nigeria’s active engagement in diplomacy.

On APC Defections:
Ajulo clarified that defections are part of political realignment, not a move toward a one-party state. The Constitution guarantees freedom of association, and political migration reflects individuals seeking alignment with their ideals, not systemic collapse.

On Poverty and Policy Reforms:
Addressing concerns about “hunger in the land,” Ajulo said that while poverty is historic, governments must reduce it measurably. He highlighted that subsidy removal has freed fiscal resources, which have been redirected to palliative programs, student loans, grants for small businesses, the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, and agricultural investments—all aimed at cushioning Nigerians while positioning the economy for growth.

On Nnamdi Kanu:
Ajulo affirmed that Kanu’s legal process was conducted fairly, respecting all court procedures and rights. “The law must take its course, even if heaven seems poised to fall,” he said, stressing the robustness of Nigeria’s institutions and constitutional frameworks.

On Federalism and Restructuring:
He described President Tinubu’s approach as a quiet, pragmatic restructuring of Nigeria, balancing governance and citizen expectations without chaos.

On Ondo State Achievements:
Ajulo highlighted major reforms under Governor Aiyedatiwa, including:

• Construction of the state-of-the-art High Court Complex in Akure.
• Expansion of judges from 24 to 35 and induction of six new High Court judges.
• Reactivation of the Justices of the Peace office to strengthen grassroots justice.
• Creation of a Task Force on Property Protection and Anti-Land-Grabbing and passage of strict anti-land-grabbing laws.
• Steps toward judiciary financial autonomy to ensure independent and efficient operations.

On Judiciary Perception:
Ajulo defended the judiciary against claims of corruption, arguing that public perception often ignores real, transformative work done by courts to protect citizens, citing land restitution and electoral validations as examples.

On INEC and Security Reforms:
He supported the constitutional process for appointing the INEC chairman and endorsed the withdrawal of police from VIP protection, calling it a move to restore professionalism and redeploy officers for genuine public security duties.

Personal Note:
Ajulo revealed he has no plans to contest elections, enjoys travel, music, and golf, and incorporates relaxation into his busy schedule with mini-golf and piano at his workplace.