An Osun state high court has dismissed a suit filed against the candidacy of Ademola Adeleke, senator representing Osun west, following withdrawal of the case by the plaintiffs.
Oyetunji Suredi and Olagboye Adedamola, the plantiffs, had approached the court seeking the nullification of the gubernatorial candidature of Adeleke and the declaration of Akin Ogunbiyi, his challenger during the election, as the authentic candidate of the party.
Ruling on the case filed by the two members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), David Oladimeji, the judge, dismissed the suit with N50,000 awarded against the plaintiffs.
He urged the plaintiffs to go back to their party for internal unity.
The lawyer for the plaintiff had created mild drama when he informed the court that though the plaintiffs had instructed that the case be withdrawn, the legal team was still waiting to resolve some issues.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 could be taken care off, saying the instruction of the plaintiffs be effected.
Commenting on the ruling, Niyi Owolade, counsel to Adeleke, said the judgement is expected as the case has no basis in law and practices.
“We know from the beginning that the case has no basis as the constitution is explicit on requirements for standing for elections,” he said.
“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.”
Earlier in the month, a high court dismissed a suit filed by two members of the PDP challenging the eligibility of the senator to contest the governorship poll. (The Cable)
