The attention of the Opomulero Group has been drawn to reports concerning the libel suit instituted by the Ondo State Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Omowunmi Isaac, and her brother against some APC elders.
As a democratic society governed by the rule of law, we believe every Nigerian, irrespective of political status or party affiliation, has the constitutional right to seek redress in court whenever they believe their character, reputation or integrity has been unjustly attacked.
It is therefore wrong for anyone to portray the Commissioner’s decision to approach the court as an act of hostility. On the contrary, it reflects confidence in the judiciary rather than resorting to self-help, political intimidation or media propaganda.
The fact that the court awarded costs over an amendment of court processes should not be deliberately misrepresented as a victory or defeat for either party. Such procedural decisions are common in litigation and do not determine the substantive issues before the court.
It is important to educate the public on what actually transpired in court so that a procedural ruling is not mistaken for a final judgment. The award of ₦100,000 in costs against each of the claimants, amounting to ₦3.5 million, followed an application to amend defects in the court processes. This was a procedural order and not a judgment on the libel suit.
In civil proceedings, courts routinely award costs arising from procedural applications. Such costs are meant to compensate the opposing parties for expenses occasioned by those applications and do not amount to a determination of the merits of the case. The substantive issues before the court remain unresolved.
The central question before the court—whether the publication complained of was defamatory and whether the claimants are entitled to the reliefs sought—has not been decided. Those issues will only be determined after the court has heard all the evidence and legal arguments from both sides.
We therefore urge members of the public not to be misled by political interpretations suggesting that the award of procedural costs amounts to a victory or a final judgment. The case is still pending before the court, and only the final judgment will determine the rights and liabilities of the parties.
Mrs. Omowunmi Isaac has served Ondo State with diligence, professionalism and unquestionable loyalty. Under Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s administration, the Ministry of Finance has continued to implement prudent financial management, support workers’ welfare and strengthen the state’s fiscal stability. These achievements cannot be overshadowed by politically motivated distractions.
The people of Ondo State also join issues with the public statements on reconciliation made by the 35 APC leaders after the court proceedings. While reconciliation is desirable in every political family, it must be genuine, sincere and demonstrated through concrete actions, not mere media pronouncements.
Hon. Omowunmi Isaac is not only a public office holder but also the Commissioner for Finance of Ondo State. As the custodian of the state’s finances, she has every constitutional, legal and moral right to defend her integrity, character and reputation against allegations she considers false and defamatory.
Those now calling for reconciliation should remember that they jointly signed a petition to the Inspector-General of Police and that similar allegations were published in the Nigerian Tribune on February 2, 2026. Those publications have become part of the public record and cannot simply be wished away while the same individuals seek reconciliation through media interviews.
If their call for reconciliation is truly genuine, then the same courage with which the allegations were publicized should be demonstrated by using the same platforms to withdraw any allegations they no longer stand by, publish appropriate corrections where necessary, and tender an unreserved public apology. That is the only convincing evidence of a sincere commitment to peace and reconciliation.
The people of Ondo State maintain that reconciliation cannot be selective. No one should make serious allegations capable of damaging another person’s character and reputation and then expect those issues to disappear merely by calling for peace without taking responsibility for the consequences of such publications.
Hon. Omowunmi Isaac has chosen the path of the rule of law by allowing the court to determine the issues in dispute. That decision deserves respect, not political manipulation. Every citizen, including a public office holder, is constitutionally entitled to seek judicial protection of his or her reputation.
The Opomulero Group urges all party faithful and political stakeholders to refrain from inflammatory comments capable of prejudicing the ongoing judicial process. We remain confident that the judiciary will dispense justice fairly, independently and without fear or favour.
We reaffirm our total confidence in Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and in the leadership of Hon. Omowunmi Isaac as Commissioner for Finance. We advise political actors to allow the court to perform its constitutional duty without interference, intimidation or attempts to sway public opinion through sensational media narratives.
Justice must be allowed to take its course, and all parties should respect whatever judgment the court ultimately delivers.
Signed:
Hon. Olasupo Olakunori Michael
Director General, Opomulero Group.
