Ondo Polls: Suit Seeking Aiyedatiwa, Deputy’s Disqualification Dismissed

A Federal High Court sitting in Akure, the Ondo State capital, has dismissed a suit challenging the eligibility of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Olayide Adelami, to contest the November 16, 2024, governorship election in the state.

The suit was filed by the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) governorship candidate, Olugbenga Edema, who sought an order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw Aiyedatiwa’s nomination under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Edema, who defected to the NNPP after losing in the APC primaries, alleged that Aiyedatiwa’s governorship ticket was fraudulently obtained . However, Aiyedatiwa strongly refuted the claim.

The suit originally listed Edema and the NNPP as plaintiffs and named Aiyedatiwa, Adelami, INEC, and the APC as defendants. However, during the proceedings, the NNPP withdrew from the case, prompting the court to strike out its name.

During Monday’s hearing, the plaintiff’s counsel, Soladoye Ekundayo, informed the court that he had filed an appeal against the ruling that removed the NNPP from the case.

He requested an adjournment to amend his pleadings accordingly.

However, the defense counsel—Charles Edosanwon (for Aiyedatiwa), Banjo Aiyenakin (for Adelami), Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (for INEC), and Remi Olatubora (for APC)—opposed the request, arguing that the suit lacked diligent prosecution and should be dismissed.

Leading the defense, Edosanwon emphasized that an appeal does not automatically halt court proceedings, and since the plaintiff had failed to file any formal application before the court, there was no basis for an adjournment.

He urged the court to bring the case to an end so the Court of Appeal could take up any remaining issues.

In her ruling, Justice Toyin Bolaji Adegoke stated that the notice of appeal did not constitute a stay of proceedings and criticized the plaintiff’s failure to amend his pleadings as required.

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She described Edema’s actions as self-serving and noted that his failure to comply with the court’s directive significantly weakened the case.

Consequently, Justice Adegoke dismissed the suit and imposed a ₦100,000 fine on the plaintiff, ruling that he did not deserve an adjournment.

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