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Exactly a year after the passage of former Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Ondo State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Olukayode Ajulo, has called for the audit of the state’s assets, raising fears that some private individuals may have appropriated such for themselves.
The Attorney General claimed that a significant portion of the state’s assets were unlawfully transferred into private hands.
This, the commissioner said is completely unacceptable, even as he called for a united stand against the “misappropriation of public resources.”
“As Attorney General, I must say, this is wrong; we cannot continue on this path,” Ajulo said, as he reviewed the last one year of Aiyedatiwa in the saddle as governor.
Ajulo said a comprehensive audit of the state assets, would restore accountability and due process.
He said public resources must be effectively used for the benefit of all citizens of Ondo State.
He stressed the need for transparency and accountability, referencing serious previous allegations about forged signatures used to facilitate dubious transactions before Akeredolu’s death.
While highlighting his constitutional responsibility, Ajulo said “I must ensure that Ondo State operates within the framework of our constitution and laws. Our law enforcement and regulatory agencies must be fully accountable.
”He also expressed concern over attempts to withhold crucial information from Governor Aiyedatiwa, warning that efforts to silence inquiries through blackmail and baseless accusations against the Governor and some of his Commissioners would not be tolerated.
“Only the guilty should fear,” he said.Dr. Ajulo noted the resistance encountered when questions were raised, observing, “Some vested interests have resorted to blackmail, alleging that Governor Aiyedatiwa is tarnishing the memory of the late Governor Akeredolu and attacking his nuclear and political family. But how? When? Where?. Some of these individuals have resorted to media attacks, yet they fail to explain why they continuously react without provocation.”
Reflecting on the legacy of the late Governor Akeredolu, Dr. Ajulo remarked “Akeredolu I knew would never have allowed state funds to be exploited like this.”
He called on those involved in the misappropriation of assets to come forward or face the full force of the law.
Ajulo commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his leadership over the past year, noting his pragmatic approach and visionary leadership
“Your commitment lays a solid foundation for advancing infrastructure and upholding the rule of law,” he said.
He emphasized that Aiyedatiwa’s initiatives honour Akeredolu’s legacy, reinforcing a commitment to fairness and justice.