The Attorney-General of Ondo, Dr Kayode Ajulo, has asked all unlicensed lottery and gaming operators and agents in the state to regularise their operations or face legal consequences.
Ajulo, who is also the Commissioner for Justice, gave the directive on Monday in Akure, while reacting to the Supreme Court ruling which annulled the National Lottery Act.
He lauded the apex court for reaffirming the constitutional authority of state governments to regulate lottery and gaming activities within their respective states.
“This directive is a confirmation of the government’s unwavering commitment to upholding the law and protecting the interests of its citizens.
“The landmark judgment, delivered in Suit No. SC/1/2008 between the Attorney General of Lagos State & Ors and the Attorney-General of the Federation, represents a watershed victory for constitutionalism, federalism and the rule of law.” Ajulo stated.
According to him, the court’s decision is a monumental affirmation that the regulation of lotteries and gaming is a residual matter, firmly within the jurisdiction of state governments.
The attorney-general said that the court’s pronouncement reinforced the principles of true federalism, empowering states to effectively manage their affairs.
Ajulo emphasised the significance of the ruling in strengthening Ondo State’s regulatory framework for the gaming sector.
“This judgment validates our enduring belief in our ability to govern our resources and safeguard our citizens,” he said.
He commended Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s dedication to upholding the rule of law and championing the rights of the people of the state, saying “his unwavering support has been instrumental in achieving numerous positive outcomes for the state.”
Ajulo stressed that the state government remained committed to creating a safe and regulated environment for all gaming activities, ensuring transparency and accountability for the benefit of all citizens.
He said the activities of the Ondo State Lotteries Regulatory Commission would be reviewed and geared up in line with the Supreme Court judgment.
NAN reports that the Supreme Court, on Friday, voided the National Lottery Act 2005.A seven-member panel of the court led by Uwani Abba-Aji unanimously held that the law is unconstitutional because the National Assembly lacks the power to make such laws for states.Delivering the lead judgmen , a member of the panel, Mohammed Idris, ruled that the National Assembly, by virtue of constitutional provisions, lacks the powers to legislate on issues relating to lottery and games of chance.
Therefore, the court ordered that the National Lottery Act 2005 should no longer apply in any state of the federation,
The court held that the National Assembly can only make such law for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which it has the powers to legislate for.
The court delivered the judgement on a case, which the Lagos State Government commenced against the federal government in 2008.
The respondents to the suit are the Attorney-General of the Federation and the National Assembly.(NAN)
