The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON, has addressed the wave of commentaries, speculations, and criticisms circulating across social and conventional media regarding reports of an alleged arrest order involving the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Seun Osamaye, as well as her subsequent attendance at a public function alongside Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State.
Dr. Ajulo stated unequivocally that, at this moment, there is no material evidence before the Office of the Attorney General 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. He emphasized that what is currently circulating is largely speculative and rooted in media narratives rather than properly executed court processes.
According to him, as soon as reports of the alleged order emerged, 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 issued was January 1, 2026, a public holiday, while the second day, Friday, January 2, was declared a work-free day. It is now common knowledge that court workers began an industrial strike 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 underscored that governance and law enforcement do not operate based on hearsay, assumptions, or social media commentaries, but strictly on duly issued legal instruments that are correctly extracted and served in accordance with the law.
“I owe both a constitutional duty and personal fidelity to the Governor, 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 affirm without equivocation and on my honor that there has never been a court order that I would allow to be disobeyed. This instance will not be an exception,” he stated.
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. He assured 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 went on to express that the Governor and the entire government of Ondo State hold the judiciary in the highest esteem, emphasizing that the title of Ambassador of Rule of Law in Nigeria, awarded to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, is not merely ornamental but reflects 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, including the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs, who has voluntarily chosen to approach law enforcement agencies. However, he questioned the legal basis upon which any arrest could be made, stressing that without a duly issued and served court order, such action would violate the law, as the purported order remains unavailable and unverified. He noted that the issue will be appropriately addressed and resolved in accordance with due process when the court resumes.
He reiterated that Governor Aiyedatiwa is deeply committed to the rule of law, a commitment that has been consistently demonstrated through his actions, decisions, and leadership style. According to him, the Governor has shown restraint, respect for due process, and enduring confidence in the judiciary, even in matters of intense public interest and political pressure.
The Attorney General cautioned against attempts to compel law enforcement agencies to act solely on media speculation, warning that any effort to effect an arrest without a valid warrant or existing court order would constitute an abuse of legal process.
He appealed to the public, commentators, and stakeholders to exercise restraint and allow due process to unfold fully, reminding all that the justice system operates based on established procedures, timelines, and safeguards that must be respected by every citizen and institution alike.
Dr. Ajulo also confirmed ongoing efforts to resolve the issues between Chief Magistrate Mrs. Temitope Alphonsus and Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Seun Osamaye, whom he described as respected individuals and accomplished women, united by a commitment to service and the administration of justice.
Reaffirming the government’s position, Dr. Ajulo stated that Ondo State, under the leadership of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, remains firmly committed to the rule of law, constitutional governance, and unwavering respect for judicial authority, and will continue to act transparently, responsibly, and in strict compliance with the law in all matters.
