By Hassanat Adebowale
The Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo SAN, has refuted claims that the state government is criminalizing free speech. In a statement released on Thursday, Ajulo clarified that the government’s actions are aimed at protecting residents from cyber harassment, blackmail, and malicious misinformation.
Ajulo’s statement came in response to allegations from some groups accusing the state government of attempting to suppress public opinions. He emphasized that his responsibility as Attorney General includes reminding and educating the public about existing laws designed to protect them.
“We merely reiterated the provisions of established legal frameworks designed to protect residents from cyber harassment, blackmail, and malicious misinformation,” Ajulo said. He added that while free speech is a fundamental right, it is not absolute and does not exempt individuals from the consequences of defamation, targeted harassment, or false accusations.
Ajulo pointed out that the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, which addresses cyber-related offenses such as cyberbullying, cyberstalking, and harassment, is a Federal law and not specific to Ondo State. “This is not an Ondo state law; it is a national law. My role is to bring it to public attention and ensure its proper understanding,” he explained.
One of Ajulo’s first actions in office was the establishment of the Citizens’ Rights Advisory Bureau (CRAB), which provides legal guidance when necessary. He expressed concern about the growing prevalence of cyberbullying, particularly among young people, and warned that the misuse of digital platforms for malicious attacks could damage personal reputations and threaten governance, business confidence, and societal harmony.
The Attorney General reaffirmed that enforcing the Cybercrime Act is about balancing the right to free speech with the need to prevent defamation, misinformation, and digital harassment. “Free speech should be a tool for development, not a weapon for destruction,” he stated.
Ajulo also emphasized Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to allowing people to express their opinions, engage in constructive criticism, and hold leaders accountable within the boundaries of the law, ensuring truth, fairness, and responsibility.
He reassured the public that the Aiyedatiwa-led administration remains open to dialogue and constructive criticism. “Enforcing cybercrime and defamation laws is not about silencing voices but about ensuring that public discourse maintains integrity, respect, and factual accuracy. Ondo State is not criminalizing free speech but reinforcing the principle that every right comes with responsibility. Laws exist to maintain order, protect citizens, and uphold governance,” Ajulo concluded.
The Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 is the primary legal framework governing online conduct in Nigeria. It makes cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and digital harassment illegal, and sets penalties for misusing online platforms to spread false or harmful content.
Although free speech is protected by the Nigerian Constitution, the Cybercrime Act sets clear limits to prevent defamation, misinformation, and targeted harassment. The legal system aims to balance individual rights with the collective responsibility to maintain order, protect reputations, and ensure a safe digital environment.
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