- Party suspends Woman Leader, others in Edo
The Ondo State government and Social Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday clashed over the poor condition and deplorable infrastructure in the state’s courtrooms.
The SDP had voiced concerns over the dilapidated state of the courts, mostly at the High Court I in Oka, Ondo town, with some ‘leaking roofs, poor sitting arrangements, and cracked buildings.’
In a letter to the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, the SDP’s Chairman, Mr Gbenga Akinbuli, described conditions of the courts as an indictment on the judicial system.
Mr Akinbuli added that it also reflects a gross neglect of the justice system and undermines the rule of law,
“I am compelled to speak out against the egregious neglect of High Court I. The rainy season has exposed the rot, revealing a system struggling under the weight of abandonment.
“I wonder, and I ask: Is Attorney-General Dr. Olukayode Ajulo aware of the pathetic state of our high court? Or is he deliberately turning a blind eye to the suffering of our judicial officers and litigants?
“I remember vividly his emphasis on court reforms, but is this the kind of reform he envisioned? Leaking roofs, poor sitting conditions, and an overall environment that is an affront to justice,” he queried.
He asked if the state government was unaware of the court’s condition or had chosen to “deliberately turn a blind eye” to the plight of judicial officers, litigants, and the public who rely on the courts for justice.
“The welfare of our courts and judicial officers seems to be of little concern to those responsible. How can litigants and court officials be expected to function effectively in such an environment? It’s discouraging, even for the most capable individuals,” he said.
While demanding an urgent reform in the state judiciary system, Mr Akinbuli warned that the current conditions of the courtrooms could impede judicial administration of justice and make it also impossible for judicial officers to perform optimally.
But Ajulo, in a statement, tackled the SDP, saying the state government had embarked on ‘a comprehensive assessment of courts and office facilities under the justice sector’ in the 18 local government areas of the state.
In a statement, his Technical Adviser, Yomi Adebayo, Mr Ajulo said the evaluation had allowed Aiyedatiwa’s led administration to identify areas requiring government intervention and urgent attention.
“This inspection is critical, given the unpredictable challenges posed by the current rainy and windy season, as infrastructure can sometimes be compromised,” he said.
The AG, however, added that he also visited the site of the ongoing Rotimi Akeredolu Judiciary Complex, which he said is recording significant progress.
Also, SDP has suspended its Edo State Woman Leader, Mrs. Yami Jatto, and three others for violating the party’s constitution.
Others suspended were its Organising Secretary, Chief Tony Alile, Publicity Secretary, Mr. Chris Ojiekere and Youth Leader, Mr. Benjamin Omonzokpia.
A statement signed by State Chairman of the party, Elder Felix Obayangbon and 11 others, said their infractions included convening unauthorised meetings and making disparaging remarks against the party and its leadership
Others attempt to relocate the State Secretariat without approval, forging official party letterhead and the signatures of the state chairman and secretary to mislead the public and falsely legitimise their unlawful actions.
“It is particularly disturbing that Chief Tony Alile and Mr. Chris Ojiekere, who only joined the party in April 2025, has so quickly embraced a path of insubordination, forgery and anti-party activities, thereby tarnishing the image of the party and attempting to undermine its constitutionally established leadership.
“Furthermore, these individuals are acting in open connivance with a group of well-known transactional politicians, opportunists who notoriously resurface during every election cycle to negotiate self-serving deals and “cash out” at the expense of the party’s integrity and mission.
“This alliance has been rekindled ahead of the upcoming bye-election scheduled for August 2025, with the sole aim of hijacking the party structure for selfish political gain.
“Such actions represent egregious violations of the SDP Constitution and are entirely incompatible with the party’s foundational principles.
“The SDP, Edo State Chapter, remains unwavering in its commitment to internal democracy, discipline and unity. The party will not tolerate actions that jeopardize its integrity, legality or collective vision.”
The suspended officials could not be reached for comments.
