Attorney General Ajulo condemns attack on lawyer

Ondo: Attorney General Ajulo condemns attack on lawyer

The Honourable Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Ondo State, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, has strongly condemned the recent attack on a 40-year-old lawyer, Abayomi Oladire, by his client’s husband in Ondo West Local Government Area.

According to reports, the suspect, Kunle Kuteyi, used a broken bottle to stab Mr Oladire for allegedly helping his wife prepare a divorce case against him. The incident occurred on Sunday night, July 14, 2024 in Ondo city.

Expressing his dismay over the incident, the AG said: “As an Attorney General and leader of the Bar Association in Ondo State, it is unacceptable to me that a lawyer performing his legal duties should be subjected to such a barbaric attack. This act of violence is not only reprehensible but also completely antithetical to the principles of justice and the rule of law.”

Stressing the importance of protecting lawyers, Dr Ajulo said: “Lawyers across the state and the world must be protected. They play a vital role in upholding justice and ensuring the rule of law. An attack on one lawyer is an attack on the entire legal profession and the justice system.”

The AG has called on security personnel to swiftly investigate the incident and bring the perpetrator to justice. “I have contacted the security services to take immediate action in investigating this heinous act and to ensure that the suspect is apprehended and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

He further stated: “It is unfortunate that human lives are at stake and even a lawyer doing his job in this part of the world and some law enforcement agencies will hesitate and let it go unpunished. But I can assure you that this will be the last time this happens in Ondo State. My office will personally file a case against any security agency whose action, directly or indirectly, encourages subversion of the law in Ondo State. We will set an example for every other state to follow.”

The AG assured the legal community of the government’s support, adding: “I assure all lawyers in Ondo State of their safety and well-being. Government is committed to providing a safe environment for all legal professionals to carry out their duties without fear of intimidation or harm.”

“I have contacted the lawyer and I am relieved that he is alive and well but I want to reiterate that no act of barbarism in Ondo State will go unpunished as my office will keep a close eye on the security agencies involved in this case,” the Attorney General concluded.