5th March, 2025
A pro-democracy coalition, Citizens for Justice and Democratic Integrity (CJDI), has called on security agencies and the Supreme Court to immediately investigate Hon. Agboola Alfred Ajayi, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the last Ondo gubernatorial election, and his lead counsel, Ahmed Raji, (SAN), over a shocking bribery scandal allegedly aimed at manipulating the outcome of the ongoing case at the apex court.
In a strongly worded statement issued by its Publicity Director, Dr Akinrinmoye Mobolaji, in Lagos on Tuesday, CJDI claimed to have obtained an explosive audio recording in which Ahmed Raji boasted that Agboola Ajayi had sold his house to “settle” Supreme Court judges handling the case challenging the legitimacy of Ondo State Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Owolabi Adelami.
According to the group, the damning audio tape captures the senior lawyer bragging that, despite the concerns raised by the presiding justice, Justice Lawal Mohammed Gimba, at the hearing of this suit, they had successfully “secured” the justices involved in the case. The recording reportedly implicates a high-profile intermediary within the legal community, whom Mr Raji claimed necessitated his bringing in another senior lawyer, Emeka Etiaba, SAN, allegedly described as a “trusted Igbo ally” instrumental in brokering the illicit deal. The group said the PDP Candidate and appellant in the matter had earlier confirmed he sacked his former lawyer and opted for Ahmed Raji due to an “assurance”
“The people of Ondo State must not sit back and allow the judiciary to be hijacked by desperate politicians. We have seen what happened in Rivers, Edo, and Osun States, this must not be allowed to repeat itself in Ondo. Our democracy is at stake.” CJDI’s statement read.
The case before the court challenges the authenticity of Deputy Governor Adelami’s credentials and credibility, with the claim that the Deputy Governor is not qualified, alleging that he was previously known as ‘Jackson’ in secondary school before changing it to ‘Owolabi.’ Ajayi’s camp claims this name alteration raises questions about his legitimacy in office. However, the Federal High Court sitting in Akure and the Court of Appeal, Akure, had simultaneously dismissed the case for lacking merit and not being within the court’s jurisdiction.
The CJDI claimed Ajayi and his lawyer must be investigated for these nefarious claims and boasted that they had already “handled” the necessary judges, effectively rendering previous rulings irrelevant.
“This is an existential threat to democracy,” the coalition warned. “If justice can be bought at the highest court in the land, then Nigeria is on the brink of legal anarchy. We demand an immediate forensic analysis of the recording and a thorough investigation into these grave allegations.”
The group strongly condemned any undue interference in the justice system, emphasising that such actions are detrimental to democracy and the rule of law. It expressed deep disappointment that, despite the State’s relative peace, Hon. Agboola Ajayi appears more focused on his ambition than the stability and progress of Ondo State.
“It is disheartening that the peace and well-being of the people are not paramount to Agboola Ajayi. A true leader should uphold justice and fairness, not seek to manipulate the system for personal gain.” The statement read.
CJDI has vowed to follow the matter to a conclusion, warning that it will not allow the judiciary to be compromised for political gain. “This case is now beyond Ondo State; it is a test of Nigeria’s democracy. If nothing is done, we will mobilize mass protests and demand international intervention.”
