…..As Ondo Attorney General takes over case.
A 53-year-old Ondo State-based lawyer, Wale Omolegbon Odusola, has been docked before a Magistrate Court sitting in Akure, for allegedly verbally and psychologically abusing Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on social media.
Odusola, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, was accused of using his Facebook page to launch attacks on the governor, claiming that he had neglected his duties and failed to prioritize the needs of his constituency.
The charge sheet also alleged that Odusola accused the governor of engaging in an extramarital affair with the state’s Finance Commissioner, Mrs. Wunmi Isaac.
Prosecutor DSP Ayodeji Aderintoye argued that Odusola’s actions were capable of inciting public unrest and defaming the governor’s reputation, contravening several laws, including the Cybercrime (Prohibition, etc.) Act.
The charges read thus; “That you Wale Omolegbon Odusola ‘m’ on the 7th day of February, 2025 at about 2.00pm within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did cause emotional, verbal and psychological abuse on the name of the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Honourable Lucky Orimisan Aiyedaiwa to hatred, ridicule words try posting a video on your face book page accusing him of failing to be parochial and neglecting his constituency and also insinuating that governor is engaged in extra marital affair with finance commissioner Mrs Wurmi Isaac and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishabie under section 15 (1)(2) of the laws of Ondo State of Nigeria 2021
“That you Wale Omolegbon Odusola ‘m on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned Magisterial District did injure the reputation of Governor of Ondu State, His Excellency Honourable Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa by posting a video on your face book page accusing him of failing to be parochial and neglecting his constituency and also insinuating that the Governor is engaged in an extra marital affair with his finance commissioner Mrs Wunmi Isaac which exposing hem to hatred, contempt, or ridicule and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 373 of the criminal code cap 37 Vol.1 laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006
“That you Wale Omolegbon Odusola ‘m’ on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned Magisterial District did circulate or publish to the general public by posting a video in your face book page accusing the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Honourable Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatwa of failing to be parochial and neglecting his constituency and also insinuating that the Governor is engage in an extra marital affair with his finance commissioner Mrs Wunmi Isaac with intent to cause the Governor of Ondo State. Honourable Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa insult, enmity and exposing him to hatred and ridicule of the general public and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable section 24 (a)(b) of the cybercrime (Prohibition, etc) Act laws of Federation of Nigeria 2006.”
The trial Magistrate, Sunday Adedapo granted Odusola bail on self-recognition and adjourned the case until May 25, 2025, for further hearing.
Ondo State Attorney General Takes Over Case of Alleged Publication Against Governor Aiyedatiwa, Reaffirms Commitment To Free Speech
Under the directive of the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the Office of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice has formally taken over the case of Commissioner of Police vs. lawyer and rights activist, Wale Omolegbom Odusola currently before the Chief Magistrates’ Court of Ondo State, Akure Magisterial District.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON, announced that the State Government’s decision to assume control of the prosecution aligns with its constitutional responsibility to uphold the rule of law while safeguarding citizens’ fundamental rights.
“The Ondo State Government is fully committed to protecting free speech and ensuring that the rights of every citizen are respected.” Dr. Ajulo stated.
The Attorney General reiterated Governor Aiyedatiwa administration’s respect for the freedom of expression, emphasizing that citizens should be free to criticize and engage constructively with government policies without fear of reprisal.
At the same time, he maintained that deliberate falsehoods or defamatory statements that undermine the integrity of public office must would addressed through due legal process.
“Our objective is not to stifle free speech, but to uphold the rule of law and maintain a responsible civic environment,” Dr. Ajulo concluded.
