Àgbà Agbéjorò Gbogbongbo
By Comrade Allen Sowore, Esq.
When Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa announced his first set of appointments upon assuming office on December 27th, 2023, and I saw Olukayode Ajulo, OON, SAN, among the array of other qualified and competent professionals, my hope in good and pragmatic governance was rekindled.
Recently, the State House of Assembly exercised its constitutional role by inviting the Commissioner of Finance, Mrs. Omowumi Isaac, to provide insights regarding the presentation of a supplementary budget.
This invitation sparked mixed reactions—some political naysayers hastily concluded there was a cold war between the executive and legislative arms. However, the Attorney General later shed more light on it and salvaged the situation.
The Attorney General as many may not know is more than a mere appointee of the governor, in the Constitution after the Governor and Deputy Governor, the office is created to have a “primus inter pares” status within the legal community of Ondo State by virtue of his office. He serves as chief legal adviser to the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary. And as the Commissioner of Justice, he oversees the dispensation of justice for all, irrespective of status or political affiliation—whether APC, PDP, Labour, or SDP, AA etc
In some jurisdictions, the offices of Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice are separate. However, in Nigeria, one individual occupies both positions, granting the office significant power, responsibilities with influence over any legal office or post created by law. Thus, when the AG stated that the State House of Assembly had the constitutional authority to invite any commissioner, he was not being a meddlesome interloper; he was simply exercising the regulatory authority of his office.
It is important to clarify and stress that the Commissioner of Finance did not shun or reject the Assembly’s invitation, contrary to what some media outlets erroneously reported. She was engaged in a state assignment outside the state.
Upon her return, and as pontificated by the Attorney General, the Madam Agbefoba appeared before the House of Assembly on Thursday in response to the summons. The lawmakers met with her on Tuesday during a parliamentary session at the Assembly complex in Akure.
Commendably, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Honourable (Chief) Olatunji Oshati, addressed journalists shortly after the meeting, expressing the lawmakers’ satisfaction with her responses.
He explained that the House deemed it necessary to invite the Commissioner to clarify aspects of the amended 2024 appropriation law. Oshati further emphasized that the three arms of government would continue to work in harmony for the overall development of the State.
After all, the synergy and cooperation among the three arms of government are for the benefit of the citizens. The House noted that her responses and analysis were thorough in addressing the grey areas of the 2024 appropriation law.
As Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” During this brief yet challenging period, the Attorney General, Dr Kayode Ajulo, SAN, and the Finance Commissioner, Mrs. Omowumi Isaac, a UK-trained Chartered Accountant, have risen to the occasion and demonstrated exemplary leadership.
It is often said that loyalty in politics must be unwavering and absolute. Therefore, those within the system who seek to subvert or sabotage it for personal gain should consider the consequences of their actions. What should be paramount now is ensuring the success and triumph of the Lucky Aiyedatiwa administration, as it remains committed to improving the lives of the people and setting a lasting standard for the future.
Earlier, I christened the Finance Commissioner “Agbéfóba.” The Attorney General’s new name is “Àgbà Agbéjorò Gbogbongbo,” which should be the closest interpretation of the rank Senior Advocate General.
Comrade Allen Sowore, Esq.
SSA to the Governor of Ondo State on Strategic Communication
October 17th, 2024
