A 53-year-old lawyer, Wale Odusola, has been arraigned before an Akure Magistrate’s Court in Ondo State for allegedly using social media to verbally and psychologically harass Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
According to the charge sheet, Odusola was accused of posting critical statements about the governor on Facebook, claiming that he had neglected his constituency and failed to act in a fair manner.
He also alleged that the governor was involved in an extramarital affair with the state’s Finance Commissioner, Mrs. Wunmi Isaac.
Police prosecutor Ayodeji Aderintoye argued that Odusola’s actions could incite public unrest and damage the governor’s reputation.
The charges against him were based on several legal provisions, including the Cybercrime (Prohibition, etc.) Act. Specifically, his alleged offenses were said to violate Section 15 (1)(2) of the laws of Ondo State (2021), Section 373 of the Criminal Code Cap 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State (2006), and Section 24 (a)(b) of the Cybercrime Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.
Odusola pleaded not guilty to the charges, and his legal counsel, led by Olusola Ebiseni, requested bail, arguing that the offenses were bailable and that their client was prepared to meet all conditions.
Presiding Magistrate Sunday Adedapo granted Odusola bail on self-recognition and adjourned the case to May 5, 2025, for further hearing.
Meanwhile, human rights lawyer Tope Temokun criticized the governor for pursuing legal action against a citizen over social media comments, calling it a misplaced priority.
He argued that a democratically elected leader should be open to criticism rather than attempting to suppress free speech.
“For a governor who was unexpectedly elevated by fate to his position and is yet to be inaugurated, prioritizing a legal battle over a citizen’s criticism instead of focusing on governance is unfortunate,” Temokun said.
He described the lawsuit as petty and urged Governor Aiyedatiwa to withdraw the case, emphasizing that democracy thrives on dissenting voices.
He further stressed that governance should be about service to the people and not silencing critics.
“We will not allow the governor to run the state based on personal whims. He must be held accountable every step of the way to ensure good governance,” Temokun added.