Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo SAN, has dismissed as “laughable” allegations linking him to contract racketeering in the Judicial Village Project, describing the claims as a smear campaign targeted at his rising profile.
The petition reportedly filed by the Movement for the Redemption of Ondo State (MROS) alleged the Attorney General’s involvement in irregularities tied to the controversial project. However, Dr. Ajulo said the petitioners poorly understood the state’s governance processes.
“The execution and supervision of capital projects, including judiciary-related building infrastructure, fall strictly under the Ministry of Infrastructure,” he clarified. “As Attorney General, my role is to promote and defend initiatives that strengthen the justice sector, not to award or supervise contracts.”
He further explained the distinction between the judiciary and the Ministry of Justice. “The writer did not know the difference between the Judiciary and the Ministry of Justice. The Judiciary is an arm of government headed by the Chief Judge, while the Ministry of Justice is one of the ministries under the Executive. There is no execution of such a building contract at our ministry,” he said.
Since he was appointed Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Ondo State, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo SAN OON has earned wide recognition for spearheading reforms in the justice sector. Among his key initiatives are mobilising more than 273 volunteer senior and junior lawyers to provide free legal services to residents of Ondo State, reforms aimed at reducing case delays and making justice more accessible, and measures to strengthen institutional accountability within the Ministry of Justice. He has also enhanced collaboration among the judiciary, the executive, and security agencies while dedicating significant effort to mentoring young lawyers and creating platforms for their professional growth.
Before joining the Ondo State cabinet, Dr. Ajulo managed a thriving legal practice in Abuja, representing high-net-worth individuals and national clients. He explained that he gave up this lucrative career to return home in service to his state.
At the national level, his commitment to the legal profession remains evident. He is a respected member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). Currently, he chairs the NBA Mentorship Committee, where he plays a central role in grooming the next generation of Nigerian lawyers.
Dr. Ajulo also has a background in political engagement. Fifteen years ago, he served as National Secretary of the Labour Party, a position he later resigned voluntarily to focus on his professional career.
