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 concerning reports of an alleged arrest order involving the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Seun Osamaye, and her subsequent appearance at a public function alongside Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State.
Dr. Ajulo stated unequivocally that as at this moment, there is no material evidence before the Office of the Attorney General and/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 stressed that what is presently in circulation remains largely speculative and rooted in media narratives rather than in properly extracted and served court processes.
According to him, immediately reports of an alleged order filtered into the public space, 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 given was the 1st of January, 2026, a New Year public holiday, while the second day, Friday the 2nd of January, was declared a work-free day. It is now within public knowledge that court workers embarked on an industrial action 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 emphasised that governance and law enforcement do not operate on hearsay, assumptions, or social media commentaries, but strictly on duly issued legal instruments that are properly extracted and served in accordance with the law.
“I owe both a constitutional duty and personal fidelity to the Governor, to 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 state without equivocation and on my honour that there has never been a court order issued that I would allow to be disobeyed. This instance will not be an exception.” He said.
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 further stated that the Governor and the entire government of Ondo State hold the judiciary in the highest regard, noting that the title of Ambassador of Rule of Law in Nigeria bestowed on Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa is not ornamental, but a reflection of 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, as well as the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs, who has voluntarily resolved to approach law enforcement agencies.
However, he queried the legal basis upon which any arrest could be effected, stressing that without a duly issued and served court order, such action would amount to a violation of the law, as the purported order remains unavailable and unverified. He noted that the issue will be appropriately addressed and conclusively resolved in accordance with due process when the court resumes.
He noted that Governor Aiyedatiwa is deeply committed to the rule of law, a commitment that has been demonstrated repeatedly through his actions, decisions, and leadership style. According to him, the Governor has consistently shown restraint, respect for due process, and unwavering confidence in the judiciary, even in matters of intense public interest and political pressure.
The Attorney General cautioned against efforts to compel law enforcement agencies to act solely on the basis of media speculation, warning that any attempt to effect an arrest without a valid warrant or subsisting court order would itself constitute an abuse of legal process.
He appealed to members of the public, commentators, and stakeholders to exercise restraint and allow due process to run its full course, reminding all that the justice system operates on established procedures, timelines, and safeguards that must be respected by every citizen and institution alike.
Dr. Ajulo also confirmed ongoing efforts aimed at resolving the issues between the Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Temitope Alphonsus, and the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Seun Osamaye, whom he described as respected sisters and women of great accomplishments, with a shared commitment to service and the administration of justice.
Reaffirming the position of the government, 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.
