Court adjourns suit stopping Osun LG poll to January 17

The Osun State High Court sitting in Ile-Ife has adjourned the hearing of the pending applications or a possible settlement report in the suit challenging the conduct of the February 22 local government elections in the state until January 17, 2025.

The suit, filed by the All Progressives Congress and 19 disqualified candidates, is against the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, Governor Ademola Adeleke, and the State Attorney General.

The plaintiffs are seeking to halt the elections, citing irregularities and exclusion from the poll.

Counsel for the claimants, Mr Muhydeen Adeoye, is seeking two key reliefs: the invalidation of the amended election notice published by OSSIEC on July 18, 2024, and the inclusion of the disqualified candidates if the poll proceeds.

At Thursday’s hearing, presided over by Justice Adedapo Adeniji, counsel for the All Peoples Party, Monruf Adediran, sought to join the suit.

However, the State Attorney General’s counsel, Mr Deji Atoyebi, requested more time to respond to the application.

Meanwhile, OSSIEC’s counsel, Mr Musibau Adetunbi (SAN), proposed an out-of-court settlement.

He suggested that the claimants withdraw their reliefs challenging the amended election notice and the absence of an Election Petition Tribunal, while OSSIEC could reconsider its rejection of the candidates’ nominations.

Adeoye acknowledged the time-sensitive nature of the matter and promised to consult his clients on the proposed settlement, indicating readiness to present their decision at the next court date.

In his ruling, Justice Adeniji adjourned the case to January 17, 2025, for the hearing of the pending applications or a settlement report.

Speaking to The PUNCH after the session, Adeoye expressed optimism, stating, “We will consult thoroughly with our clients and return with a firm position. The APC leadership in the state, led by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Gboyega Oyetola, is fully behind us in this legal battle.”

Adetunbi, speaking in a similar vein, emphasised the importance of fairness.

“Our primary goal is to ensure justice for all parties. We’ve made a proposal for settlement, and if it is accepted, great. If not, we are prepared to continue the legal process,” he said.