The Oyo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal began yesterday with the inauguration of the three-man panel to hear the petition filed before it by Sen. Rashidi Ladoja, the candidate of the Accord Party in the April 11, 2015 election.
Members of the three-man panel are Justice F.C Okezie, Justice I. M Muhammad Karayeý and Justice J.E Ikede.
Sen. Ladoja had challenged the victory of Governor Abiola Ajimobi of the All Progressives Congress (APC), asking the tribunal to declare him the duly and lawfully elected governor in the election.
In his inaugural speech, Justice Okezie said he was looking forward to a fruitful session, explaining that “the life of this tribunal is regulated by time”.
Quoting section 285 (6) of the amended 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he assured that the tribunal must deliver judgment on every petition not later than 180 days from the date it was filed.
This, according to the jurist, “places an appreciable burden on all stakeholders.It goes without saying that to achieve this task, frivolous applications for adjournments shall not be allowed. Legal practitioners will therefore, do well to avoid applying for adjournments.”
While assuring that the panel would discharge its duty with honesty and fear of God, he disclosed that the tribunal will sit every day.
Meanwhile, lawyers who represented various parties in the petition pledged total ýcooperation for the timely and successful completion of the case.
Mr. Babatunde Aiku (SAN), represented APC while Mr. Wole Aina represented Governor Ajimobi, Mr. Richard Ogunwole, represented Accord Party.
Meanwhile, lawyers who represented various parties in the petition have pledged total cooperation for the timely and successful completion of the case.