It was good news for the PDP members in Osun State as the Osun State High Court, Osogbo recently dismissed a suit filed against the candidature of the party’s guber candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke following the withdrawal of the case by the plaintiffs. The plaintiffs; Mr Oyetunji Suredi and Mr Olagboye Adedamola had approached the court seeking to overrule the emergence of the senator as party’s candidate in favour of the runner-up, Akin Ogunbiyi. Justice David Oladimeji in his ruling not only dismissed the case but also had N50,000 cost awarded against the plaintiffs. Counsel to the plaintiff had created a mild drama when he informed the court that though his clients had instructed that the case be withdrawn, the legal team was according to him, still willing to continue in order to resolve some issues. The judge, however, declared that all other issues can be taken care of but that the instruction of the plaintiffs must be effected. Counsel to Adeleke, Chief Nathaniel Oke while welcoming the decision to withdraw the case, however, urged the judge to dismiss it. We learned that Justice Oladimeji after dismissing the case also urged the plaintiffs to make recourse to the party for internal unity. Barrister Niyi Owolade who was also a member of the Senator’s legal team said the judgement went in the expected direction as the case according to him has no basis in law and practice. ’We know from the beginning that the case had no basis as the constitution is explicit on the requirements for standing for elections .Senator Adeleke is evidently qualified to contest the governorship. This is the second ruling. We therefore urge the PDP members to unite for the election ahead. This is the time for campaign and not for frivolous litigations’, he submitted.
– Akinlolu Abayomi
