In response to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s denial of authorizing a petition against Barrister Wale Omolegbon Odusola for alleged cyberbullying, human rights lawyer Tope Temokun has urged the state Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, to investigate the origin of the unauthorized complaint.
Temokun’s call came on Thursday after Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Aiyedatiwa, issued a statement disavowing any involvement by the governor in the petition that led to Odusola’s arrest and arraignment on Wednesday.
In a statement released in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, Temokun emphasized the need to identify and hold accountable those behind the unauthorized use of the governor’s name to prevent future occurrences.
“Following the governor’s official disavowal of this complaint and directive to terminate the criminal proceedings, it’s imperative for the citizens and stakeholders of Ondo State to clarify certain issues,” Temokun stated.
He questioned, “Who, without authorization, approached the police command’s highest office with a petition falsely bearing the governor’s name, invoking police powers that nearly resulted in a lawyer’s remand? This was averted only by the presiding magistrate’s judicious discretion and the robust legal defense that secured bail for Barrister Odusola.”
Temokun expressed concern over the potential dangers posed by overzealous individuals misusing governmental authority, stating, “The government must publicly and decisively address this unauthorized and reckless exercise of power.”
He further stressed the importance of believing the governor’s denial, adding, “If we don’t accept the governor’s word, whom do we trust? Those who misused his name to incite public unrest on February 18, 2025, should not only be removed from their positions but also issue a public apology. Such pranks are too costly to be tolerated.”
Temokun recounted that after Odusola’s release, who had been arraigned for posting a Facebook video criticizing the governor’s project allocations, two official statements were issued to address the situation.
The first, from Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, announced that under the governor’s directive, the state had taken over the case against Odusola. This move was described as aligning with the state’s duty to uphold the rule of law while protecting citizens’ rights.
The second statement, from the Chief Press Secretary, reiterated the governor’s lack of involvement in the petition and directed the Attorney General to work towards dropping the charges against Odusola.
Temokun praised the governor’s directive to withdraw the charges but highlighted the need for a thorough investigation into the misuse of power, stating, “This incident has compromised the integrity of the government and the police. Power should not be wielded carelessly within the government without proper oversight.”
He concluded by calling for transparency, urging authorities to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the unauthorized petition, emphasizing that such abuse taints the state’s integrity and must be addressed.
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