A senior lawyer, Zakir Babah, on Friday dismissed as laughable a statement credited to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, asking the Ondo State Attorney-General, Dr Kayode Ajulo to resign his office.
Babah said the statement betrayed the party’s lack of understanding of the legal and constitutional provisions surrounding the appointment of Transition Committees.
BAR & BENCH WATCH reports that the PDP had asked the Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, to resign on the account of a statement credited to him to the effect that the appointment of Transition Committees for 18 Local Governments and 33 Local Council Development Areas was the constitutional right of the Governor.
The PDP which referenced Ajulo’s press statement on the issue as legitimization of the purported illegal appointment argued that the state Chief law officer violated his oath of office by endorsing the governor’s action.
But reacting to the PDP’s claim, Babah said the PDP’s selective outrage was not only misleading but undermines their credibility.
The senior lawyer reiterated that the appointment of Transition Committees is a lawful exercise aimed at maintaining governance stability.
He said the committees are temporary measures to ensure that grass-roots participation in governance continues to function effectively until democratically elected officials assume office.
He added that the approach is not unique to Ondo State and is practised to prevent administrative lacuna.
In a statement made available to the press, on Friday, he said, “It is important to emphasize with due respect, the chronology of events, dates and neutral evidence that the Supreme Court’s judgment was delivered with emphasis “after” the appointments.
“The judgment affirmed the position of three tiers of government under the constitution for development, the importance of democracy and duly elected Local Governments and
“I salute the undertaking of the Supreme Court for the judgment which is good for our jurisprudence.
“The Transition Committees were appointed on July 10th, 2024, before the Supreme Court judgment was delivered.
“This action was taken to ensure bridge continuity of governance and smooth transition within the governor’s powers.”
The Supreme Court’s decision is final, but this does not preclude the procedural steps required for its implementation.
He however said that the judgment did not bar Governor Aiyedatiwa from exercising his executive and constitutional powers to ensure effective governance during transitions.
He also stated that in his observation, the Ondo State Governor is committed to upholding the law and ensuring a smooth transition that aligns with judicial directives.
Mr Babah said that the legality of the Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) is an ongoing legal proceedings, which is presently under appeal.
“The PDP’s call for Dr Ajulo’s resignation is hypocritical of his good deeds.
