Governor Seyi Makinde led government has opted for an out-of-court settlement in the on-going local government crisis in the state.
At the resumed hearing on the matter before Justice Mashud Abass, on Wednesday, counsel to the State Government, Dr. Akin Onigbinde (SAN), informed the court that government has decided to adopt out-of-court settlement for the sake of peace and would come back to the court if the strategy failed, the Nation reports.
On his part, counsel to the defendants, Niyi Akintola (SAN) and Kunle Sobaloju, said their clients would not accept any impediment against smooth dispensation of justice.
They maintained that it would be necessary that all cases on the suspension of the council chairmen be dispensed with before the out-of-court settlement idea could work.
The presiding judge, Justice Mashud Abass, commended counsels for their disposition and cautioned all parties to ensure that peace reigns in Oyo State, assuring both parties that the judiciary would remain neutral on the matter and ensure that justice prevails.
The court adjourned the case to February 12, 2020 for the parties to report back on the level of progress on the out-of-court settlement or the continuation of the case.
During the week, Governor Seyi Makinde urged local government caretaker committee chairpersons to continue their works at the local levels.
On Tuesday, Oyo state house of Assembly alleged that it has uncovered infractions and outrageous contracts in the activities of the sacked chairmen during their tenure. The Assembly also set up committee to look into the indictment and report back on findings.
