The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday adjourned hearing in the suit filed by the Alliance for Democracy (AD) governorship candidate in Oyo state, Dr Akin Onigbinde (SAN) to challenge the appointment of a caretaker committee for the party in the state.
In the suit, Dr Onigbinde emphasized that the appointment of the caretaker committee to steer the affairs of the party in Oyo state was illegal and unknown to the AD constitution.
At the mention of the suit, Justice Giwa Ogunbanjo ordered parties to file some processes, that will make the case ripe for hearing on 1st November, which is the next date fixed by court to hear the matter.
Speaking with journalists after the court sitting, Counsel to the plaintiff, Dr Akin Onigbinde,(SA) Barrister Tunde Falola said the court had to adjourn the suit, to ensure that necessary applications are duly filed and give room for the parties involved to respond same.
“The reason for the adjournment is at the instance of the plaintiff, we have file some applications, which the court expects written responses.” he said.
Barrister Falola added that the court has given all the parties time to file and serve other counsels before the next date of adjournment., saying, “as counsel to the plaintiffs, we also have a duty to refile our processes, ahead of arguments on the next adjourned date”
On whether the party will meet up with the time stipulated by INEC, Barrister Falola said the plaintiff will meet up with the time stipulated by the electoral Act.
Counsel to the defendant, Alliance for Democracy, Barrister Sayo Odumosu said the court is doing its best to hear the matter and give it accelerated hearing.
“We have done all the court processes, we have done the needful and will respond to the plaintiffs applications before the next hearing date”.
It will be recalled that Dr Akin Onigbinde emerged from a primary election organised by the regular AD Executives in Oyo State, while Engineer Hakeem Oyedele Alao emerged from the primary elections conducted by the “Caretaker Committee”.
The outcome of the case may impact and decide whether Dr. Akin Onigbinde, SAN or Engr. Hakeem Alao is the legitimate candidate of AD in the 2019 governorship election in Oyo State.
