Osun guber: Again, court dismisses case against Adeleke

An Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo, on Monday, dismissed a suit filed against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the September 22 election, Senator Ademola Adeleke, following withdrawal of the case by  the plaintiffs.
The plaintifs, Oyetunji Suredi and Mr Olagboye Adedamola, had approached the court seeking the nullification of gubernatorial candidature of Adeleke and the declaration of Akin Ogunbiyi as the authentic candidate of the party.
Ruling on the case filed by the two PDP members, Justice David Oladimeji dismissed the case with N50,000 awarded against the plaintiff.
Prosecuting lawyer had created a mild drama when he  informed the court that though the plaintiffs had instructed that the case be withdrawn, the legal team was still waiting to resolve some issues.
The judge in response noted that all other issues can be taken care off, advising that the instruction of the plaintiffs be effected.
Also responding, Adeleke’s lawyer, Chief Nathaniel Oke, while welcoming the decision to withdraw the case, however, urged the judge to dismiss the case.
In his ruling, Justice Oladimeji dismissed the case, urging the plaintifs to go back to their party for internal unity.
Responding to the ruling, Niyi Owolade, another counsel to Adeleke, said the judgement is expected as the case has no basis in law and practice .
“We know from the beginning that the case has no basis as the Constitution is explicit on requirements for standing for elections. Senator Adeleke is evidently qualified to contest the governorship. This is the second ruling .
“We, therefore, urge PDP members to unite for the election ahead. Now is the time for campaign, not for frivolous litigation”, Owolade said.