By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
In a dramatic turn of events, the Owo Residents Action Group (ORAG) has alleged Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, of being the mastermind behind a controversial one billion naira libel suit initiated by the state’s Commissioner of Finance, Mrs. Omowunmi Isaac, against Mrs. Betty Akeredolu, the widow of late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, and the Publisher of Starnews Online Newspaper, Olumide Akinrinlola.
The legal imbroglio took a significant step forward when a High Court sitting in Akure summoned Mrs. Betty Akeredolu and Olumide Akinrinlola for their role in publishing an interview with Akeredolu’s widow.
Thesuit, filed by Isaac, sought damages for alleged libel stemming from an article published on February 13, 2025, titled, “I Wouldn’t Be a Widow If Aketi Had Listened to Me – Betty Akeredolu Talks Tough.”
In her complaint, Isaac not only demands substantial damages but also calls for a retraction of the publication and an unreserved apology to be published in two national dailies.
Thecourt summons, signed by Registrar Adebanjo T.A., has set the stage for a contentious legal battle, indicating that the defendants must respond within 30 days or risk a judgment in their absence.
The ORAG has taken a bold stance, issuing a statement signed by President Obasekola Titus and Secretary Ufuoma Innocent, accusing Governor Aiyedatiwa and the Ondo State Government of masterminding the lawsuit in an attempt to silence critics and suppress free speech in the state.
“This is a clear case of intimidation aimed at stifling dissent,” the statement reads.
ORAG asserts that Aiyedatiwa owes his governorship to the late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, suggesting that the governor’s actions are not only disrespectful to Akeredolu’s legacy but also indicative of ingratitude.
The group has vowed to join the legal proceedings in defense of Betty Akeredolu.