Ajulo Condemns Ojudu's Corruption Claims About Nigeria's Judiciary

The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, has criticized a statement linked to Sen. Babafem...

The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, has criticized a statement linked to Sen. Babafemi Ojudo, who claimed that Nigeria's justice system is available for purchase.

Ajulo, in a Thursday statement titled "Is Justice Truly for Sale in Nigeria? A Necessary Balance to Senator Ojudu," referred to Ojudu's claim as unjust to the country's judicial system.

He stated, "If Ojudu's story remains unopposed, it could serve as an unjust standard for evaluating the credibility of Nigeria's judicial system and the numerous dedicated individuals who work within it."

We must also recognize Ojudu's bravery in expressing his worries publicly. His perspective has influenced public discussion for many years. It is within this same spirit of honest interaction that I present this essential counterpoint.

Ajulo contended that Ojudu did not emphasize the positive interactions he also experienced within the same judicial system, pointing out that it is important to support him by providing context, viewpoint, and my personal experiences gained from 25 years of legal work.

Corruption is a reality that affects all areas, and when it occurs, it is not solely the problem of one particular branch of government or profession.

I disagree with the harmful suggestions that imply all judges or judicial systems are tainted. We are aware that these stereotypes exist. It is unfair to criticize an entire institution due to the shortcomings of a few.

"Ojudu overlooked the fact that one of his most significant political achievements came not from political authority, but from the judiciary he now broadly characterizes," he said.

Ajulo pointed out that when Sen. Bode Ola from Ekiti contested Ojudu's senatorial seat (Ekiti Central) following the Action Congress primaries, it was the courts that settled the issue.

The renowned human rights attorney, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, who has significantly contributed to my professional work, personally contacted me to take on the case.

I had some initial concerns because I was then a dedicated leader of the Labour Party, acting as its Legal Adviser before taking on the role of National Secretary. The party was the governing party in my home state, Ondo State, and I had run for the FCT Senate position under its banner in Abuja.

Nevertheless, Falana maintained that the issue was not political but centered on trust, character, and integrity. Therefore, regardless of the political aspects, we embarked on a lengthy yet meaningful path starting from the Federal High Court, moving to the Court of Appeal, and finally reaching the Supreme Court.

At no stage during that procedure was there any indication of bribery or unethical behavior. We planned thoroughly, depending exclusively on legal guidelines, evidence, and reasoning.

We prevailed at each stage, starting from the Federal High Court, through the Court of Appeal, and finally at the highest court, the Supreme Court, without coercing anyone, without purchasing influence, and without sacrificing our principles.

"This is the aspect of the judiciary that Ojudu gained advantage from, the same one thousands of Nigerians face every day," Ajulo said.

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Tagged: Nigeria, Corruption, West Africa

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