By Abigail Philip David
The Osun State High Court in Ile-Ife has postponed the hearing on the case challenging the February 22 local government elections to January 17, 2025. The adjournment is to allow for the resolution of pending applications or to review a possible settlement.
The lawsuit, filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and 19 disqualified candidates, is against the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC), Governor Ademola Adeleke, and the State Attorney General. The plaintiffs allege irregularities in the process and seek to halt the elections, emphasizing their exclusion from the polls.
The plaintiffs’ counsel, Mr. Muhydeen Adeoye, has requested two main remedies: the invalidation of OSSIEC’s amended election notice issued on July 18, 2024, and the inclusion of the disqualified candidates if the elections proceed.
During Thursday’s session, presided over by Justice Adedapo Adeniji, Mr. Monruf Adediran, representing the All Peoples Party, sought to join the case. However, Mr. Deji Atoyebi, counsel for the State Attorney General, requested additional time to respond to the application.
Meanwhile, OSSIEC’s counsel, Mr. Musibau Adetunbi (SAN), proposed an out-of-court settlement. He suggested that the plaintiffs withdraw their claims regarding the amended election notice and the absence of an Election Petition Tribunal, while OSSIEC would reconsider the rejected nominations of the disqualified candidates.
Adeoye acknowledged the urgency of the matter and promised to consult his clients on the settlement proposal. He assured the court that their position would be presented at the next hearing.
Justice Adeniji adjourned the case to January 17, 2025, for the hearing of unresolved applications or to consider the settlement outcome.
After the court session, Adeoye expressed optimism, stating, “We will consult thoroughly with our clients and return with a firm position. The APC leadership in Osun, led by Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, remains fully supportive of this legal challenge.”
Similarly, Adetunbi underscored the importance of fairness in the process. “Our goal is justice for all parties. If the settlement proposal is accepted, it will be a positive resolution. If not, we are prepared to continue with the legal proceedings,” he said.
