Fayose Vs Senator: Olujimi-led faction heads for Supreme Court

Emmanuel AmudaJanuary 30, 2021

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Following the Appeal Court dismissed the suit filed by the caucus loyal to Senator Biodun Olujimi over the inauguration of the Ward Executive Committee members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ekiti State; the Senator faction has declared it would be heading to the Supreme Court to challenge the ruling.

Newsflash had earlier reported that the Appeal Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday, January 27, had affirmed the former governor Ayodele Fayose’s ward congresses.

Delivering judgment in the case with suit number: CA /EK / 57 / 2020, Justice T. N Orji -Abadua, upheld the decision of the trial court and held that the appellant’s case was not justiciable on the ground that it was a matter that emanated from intra-party affairs.

The Federal High Court had, in its verdict in July 17, 2020 dismissed the suit instituted against Haruna Manu-led congress panel and upheld the preliminary objection raised concerning the suitability of the case.

The court also awarded N200,000 cost against the plaintiff and their Counsel to be paid to the PDP, the 4th and 5th defendants on or before of September 1, 2020.

The Olujimi’s faction, dissatisfied with the ruling, approached the Appellate Court, urging it to set aside the judgement, which favours former governor Ayodele Fayose camp.

In its judgement, the Appeal Court upheld the decision of the trial court and held that the case was not justiciable on the ground that it was a matter that emanated from intra-party affairs.

Olujimi’s loyalists and those in the camp of Fayose had been locked in a legal battle over the conduct and outcome of the March 2020, PDP congress held in the state.

But, reacting to the Appeal Court verdict, the Olujimi-backed PDP urged members of the party to remain calm, declared that the ruling would be appealed at the Appeal Court after considering the pros and cons of the judgement.

This was contained in a communique by factional PDP Public Secretary, Sanya Adesua, at the end of a party’ leaders meeting in Ado-Ekiti on Saturday.

According to the communique, the party resolved that it would be challenging the ruling of the Appellate Court at the Apex Court, “where it is believed that justice will be manifestly done”.

It was also agreed that “the SWC under the leadership of Hon Kehinde Odebunmi should be sustained and encouraged to go ahead with the running of the party in Ekiti.

“That all governorship aspirants are encouraged to go ahead with their consultation and mobilisation of the generality of Ekiti people, who are anxiously waiting for a PDP Governor in 2022.However, such sensitization must be devoid of rancour.

“The meeting commended all our party members for their steadfastness and beliefs in the eventual triumph of Justice over Injustice, and truth over falsehood. Forward ever, backward never”, it said.