Ondo guber: Appeal Court reserves ruling on Jegede’s case

Forum 7 years ago

Ondo guber: Appeal Court reserves ruling on Jegede’s case

The Appeal Court Panel has reserved judgment on the Ondo State Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidate tussle.

Jedege Eyitayo had filled a suit before the Appellant court, challenging the Independent National Electoral Commission for listing Jimoh Ibrahim as the party’s flag bearer instead of him that was dully elected by the party’s delegates during the primaries.

The sitting began with an application by Ben Nwofor, counsel to the factional chairman of the PDP in Ondo State, Biyi Poroye, challenging the jurisdiction of the special panel and asking for its immediate disbandment.


On the motion filled by Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, seeking leave to appeal Justice Okon Abang’s ruling of October 14 which ordered the substitution of his name by INEC as PDP candidate for this month’s election, Biyi Poroye’s lawyer, Ben Nwofor said the appeal was belated and did not identify suit title and parties for which the ruling was delivered.

But Olanipekun SAN, who led two other SANs, Ife Adedipe and Dayo Akinlaja and 18 other lawyers to appear for Jegede, in his arguments said the Appeal Court President’s action was an administrative decision adding that the special panel cannot give credit to Poroye’s application let alone treat it.

He added that based on section 318 of the 1999 constitution, the decision of the Appeal Court President to set up the panel can’t be appealed against or set aside.

Olanipekun further said that the appeal was filed within time and prayed the court to allow Jegede appeal Justice Abang’s judgment in view of it’s urgency which affects his interest and Fundamental Human Rights.


Other applications heard by the special panel include Ahmed Markarfi versus Biyi Poroye, PDP versus Biyi Poroye, and Clement Faboyede versus Biyi Poroye.

Justice Salauwa has, however, reserved ruling in almost all the applications that bothers on the panel’s jurisdiction, Jegede’s leave to appeal, Ahmed markarfi versus Poroye among others, just as hearing continues today (Tuesday).

Speaking to newsmen after the sitting, Olanipekun commended the Appeal Court Justices for their thoroughness.