Justice P.I. Ajoku of the Federal High Court sitting at Ring Road in Ibadan on Tuesday fixed January 31, 2019, for hearing a suit filed by a former deputy Governor of Oyo state, Hazeem Ola Gbolarumi against his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The matter delineated FHC/IB/CS/140/2018 was to contest the validity of the senatorial ticket of the party for Oyo South Senatorial district which he claims he is entitled to but was given to Dr Kola Balogun.
Others joined alongside PDP as defendants in the suit are the Independent National Electoral Commission (EFCC) and Dr Kola Balogun.
When the case earlier slated for mention was called before the court, counsel for PDP and Dr Balogun announced their appearances while there was no legal representation for INEC.
Counsel to PDP, Adeniyi Farinto informed the court that he was only briefed about the case on Monday evening and has not been able to file any process before the court. “I was only briefed about this matter yesterday evening; I have not filed anything as the process is yet to get to me. The legal adviser of the party called me on phone yesterday.
“I will be applying for an adjournment to allow me to file all necessary papers,” he stated.
On his part, Olusesan Dada, counsel to Dr Balogun also told the court that the situation is the same on his side. “The third defendant was just served on Friday; we are in the same situation, we also need time to file processes and reply properly,’ he stated.
Justice Ajoku noted that by the record before the court, INEC which is the second defendant was also served on Monday evening, adding that this may be the reason it wasn’t in court.Olayinka Esan, counsel to Gbolarumi, in reply, undertook before the court to ensure that the defendant counsels get the processes filed by his client before the end of work hours on Monday.
Both Gbolarumi and Dr Balogun were present at the proceeding.
Justice Ajoku consequently adjourned the matter till January 31, 2019, for hearing with an order that hearing notices be issued on INEC.
