Prominent constitutional lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), has called on the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to resign if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu refuses to heed his legal advice.
Ozekhome made the call in reaction to the Federal Government’s decision to withhold funds meant for local governments in Osun State, describing the move as a politically motivated action that undermines democracy.
According to him, the President may not be receiving sound legal counsel from the AGF, citing Fagbemi’s recommendation in a letter to the Ministry of Finance that allocations be channelled to sacked All Progressives Congress (APC) officials in the state.
“This action is not good for democracy,” Ozekhome warned, recalling that Tinubu himself faced a similar situation as Lagos State Governor when former President Olusegun Obasanjo withheld local government allocations.
“The Supreme Court held then that the Federal Government could never withhold funds meant for local governments in Lagos State,” he reminded the President.
The human rights lawyer stressed that he doubts President Tinubu would reject credible legal advice if it were presented.
“If he did give the advice and the President ignored it, then he ought to resign,” he said, urging Fagbemi to demonstrate integrity.
Drawing from history, Ozekhome pointed out that former AGF Mohammed Bello Adoke once advised ex-President Goodluck Jonathan against removing the Plateau State Governor during a state of emergency, and Jonathan respected the guidance.
He argued that the principle of separation of powers and adherence to Supreme Court rulings must remain sacrosanct, warning that anything contrary would weaken democratic institutions.
