Respected lawyer and political insider Sola Ajisafe, has stirred a political hornet’s nest in Ondo State with a scathing open letter to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, criticizing the controversial Coroner’s inquest into the death of the former Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
In a blistering critique dripping with legal wisdom and political memory, Ajisafe described the move as “unnecessary and potentially divisive”, warning that it could set off dangerous political consequences.
> “This is not about justice. It is vengeance dressed in legal robes. It is laced with sinister motives and primed with a proxy war,” Ajisafe wrote.
“Ajulo Is Burning the House”
Ajisafe singled out the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, accusing him of political opportunism and disloyalty to the Akeredolu legacy.
> “Your Attorney General was not a fan of Aketi. He was not part of the struggle we embarked upon,” Ajisafe noted. “If he decides to burn down the house rather than repair it, we who were in the trenches with Aketi must be careful.”
He described Ajulo’s actions as erratic and damaging:
> “Your AG’s constant wars and rhetorics are unhealthy and unhelpful to your administration,” the letter said. “His spats are inelegant behaviours in a culturally sensitive political environment like Ondo State.”
“I Warned You” – Breaking His Silence
Ajisafe revealed that he had withheld criticism of the Aiyedatiwa administration since February — not out of fear, but out of futility.
> “I chose to stop criticizing your administration, not due to lack of courage or valid points, but because I believed it would be futile. But history must record that I warned you,” he wrote.
In a stern tone, he urged the governor to tread cautiously, warning that those now supporting him once benefited from Akeredolu’s leadership, only to turn against him in death.
> “Some of your current enablers were, at one point or another, supporters of the late Governor, who have now turned against his legacy, even in death.”
The Owo Factor – A Ticking Bomb?
With the cenotaph in Owo still a sore point, Ajisafe raised red flags about escalating tensions in the politically volatile town.
> “The Owo community is known for its complex dynamics. Any actions that might exacerbate tensions should be avoided,” he wrote.
He condemned the AG’s reference to the widow of Akeredolu and the cenotaph demolition as a justification for the inquest.
> “Why can’t he see the bigger picture? The AG’s justification, citing the widow’s actions, shows pettiness. It is unbecoming of a public officer,” he said.
“Your Legacy Is at Stake” – A Final Plea
In his closing remarks, Ajisafe urged Aiyedatiwa to act with “gratitude, empathy, and wisdom”, reminding him that his decisions today will define his legacy tomorrow.
> “Your legacy will be defined by the choices you make, and I pray that you’ll choose a path that promotes healing and unity,” he said.
Invoking a Yoruba proverb, he concluded:
> “Ohun ti a ba ṣe loni, itan lo ma da ni ọla” — whatever our actions today will become history tomorrow.”
Though Ajisafe claims he is returning to his “mute mode”, political observers believe his letter has lit a match under a smoldering conflict.
