Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON, has described as “laughable” recent allegations linking him to contract racketeering in the controversial Judicial Village Project.
Reacting to a petition filed by a civic group, the Movement for the Redemption of Ondo State (MROS), Dr. Ajulo said it’s obvious the writers of the petition lacked understanding of how governance works in the state.
“The execution and supervision of capital projects, including judiciary-related building infrastructure, fall strictly under the Ministry of Infrastructure,” he explained. “As Attorney General, my role is to promote and defend initiatives that strengthen the justice sector, not to award or supervise contracts.”
Dr Ajulo added,
” The writer did not know the difference between Judiciary and Ministry of Justice, Judiciary is an arm of government head by Chief Judge and Ministry of Justice is one of the ministries with the Executive arm of Government. There’s no execution of such building contract at our ministry.”
He added that while he supports judicial projects in principle as part of his mandate to champion access to justice, financial and technical oversight are not within his purview.
Track Record of Service
Since assuming office, Dr. Ajulo has earned a reputation for integrity and reform. His achievements as Commissioner for Justice include:
Mobilizing a team of over 273 volunteer senior and junior lawyers to serve as aides, providing legal expertise to Ondo State free of charge.
Spearheading reforms to make justice more accessible and reduce case delays.
Strengthening institutional accountability within the Ministry of Justice.
Enhancing collaboration between the judiciary, executive, and security agencies for more effective justice delivery.
Mentoring young lawyers, creating platforms for professional development and growth.
Sacrifice and National Standing
Before joining the Ondo State cabinet, Dr. Ajulo built a flourishing legal practice in Abuja, representing both high-net-worth individuals and international clients. By stepping away from this lucrative practice, he says he made a conscious sacrifice to return home and serve his state.
His commitment to the legal profession extends nationally. Through his hard work and passion for justice, he has become one of the poster figures of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and currently serves as the Chairman of the NBA Mentorship Committee, a position that places him at the center of grooming the next generation of lawyers across Nigeria.
A History of Service
Dr. Ajulo is no stranger to public life. Fifteen years ago, he served as National Secretary of the Labour Party, a position he later resigned voluntarily to concentrate on his professional career. Having already held such a national position, observers note that his decision to accept a role in Ondo politics is motivated not by ambition but by a genuine desire to offer service.
Envy and Integrity
Political watchers argue that the renewed attempt to drag his name into corruption allegations is a consequence of his rising profile, close working relationship with the Governor, and his visible reforms.
About a week ago another Civil Society has raised alarm about a sinister plot to implicate Ajulo and some top government officials on contract scam because of what is termed their closeness to Governor Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State.
To his admirers, however, these allegations collapse under the weight of his professional and personal integrity. “History will remember Dr. Ajulo kindly,” said one supporter, “because he chose service to his people over personal gain. That decision alone speaks louder than any smear campaign.”
