Christianah Ajulo, mother of Ondo State Attorney-General Kayode Ajulo, was honoured at the Catalyst Symposium in Akure on the occasion of her 91st birthday. The event, held at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, was themed 'Ma'ami Ajulo XCI: Legacy & Girl-Child Mentorship' and brought together young girls from across the state. Sessions focused on entrepreneurship, leadership and professional development, drawing inspiration from Mrs. Ajulo's life as a businesswoman and matriarch.
Kayode Ajulo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, described his mother as the bedrock of the family and a model of quiet strength, faith and diligence. He said the symposium was a validation of the unseen sacrifices mothers make. "Seeing her legacy celebrated at an event focused on legacy and girl-child mentorship is a full-circle moment for me," he said. He credited her with instilling values of integrity, hard work and service, which shaped his career in law and public service.
Last year, on her 90th birthday, a colloquium in her honour initiated what is now referred to as the "season of women" in Ondo State's March–April calendar under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa's administration. Ajulo recalled growing up in Ibadan, where his mother managed both home and business with discipline, teaching him the value of prayer and education. He said her influence deepened his admiration for women and informs his advocacy for girl-child protection.
Ajulo called for stronger enforcement against gender-based violence, child marriage and exploitation, as well as safeguards for girls' education and inheritance rights. He warned that anyone interfering with justice in such cases would be prosecuted as an accessory after the fact. On the governor's possible re-election bid, Ajulo stated that Governor Aiyedatiwa has not publicly or privately declared any intention to run in 2028. He noted constitutional questions around Section 180 and Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution but said such matters should be decided by the courts.
Kayode Ajulo celebrates his mother's quiet, unseen service while serving a government that has not institutionalised the very protections he says girls need. His praise for maternal sacrifice contrasts with his administration's lack of action on enforceable policies for girl-child rights. If her legacy is built on silent endurance, then the state's silence on legal enforcement speaks volumes. Celebrating a mother's influence means little if the system fails the daughters she seeks to inspire.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
