A former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Mutalubi Ojo, SAN, has defended Governor Seyi Makinde’s donation of a G-Wagon to the President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Alhaji Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole, dismissing suggestions that the gesture amounted to an insult to traditional rulers in the state.
Ojo, in an opinion statement, said he could not understand how the governor’s gift to Ajewole could be interpreted as disrespect to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Alaafin of Oyo or any other traditional ruler.
He described Ajewole as a respected senior legal practitioner who had made significant contributions to the development of Ibadan and Oyo State over the years.
According to him, Ajewole’s contributions to public service and community development dated back to his days of student union activities at the College of Education, Ila Orangun, and the then University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University.
He also credited the CCII President-General with pioneering the erection of statues honouring Ibadan’s warlords and historical heroes across the city.
Describing Ajewole as a distinguished son of Ibadanland and Oyo State, Ojo said he deserved the recognition and gift from Makinde, adding that he was worthy of even greater honour.
He urged those commenting on the controversy to separate genuine gestures of appreciation from political considerations, insisting that the governor’s action should be viewed in the context of Ajewole’s contributions to society.
Ojo congratulated Ajewole on the gift and commended Makinde for the gesture.
