The Osun State High Court sitting in Ile-Ife has adjourned the hearing of the ongoing legal challenge against the conduct of the February 22, 2025, local government elections in the state. The case will resume on January 17, 2025, for the consideration of pending applications or a possible settlement report.
The suit, filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and 19 disqualified candidates, is directed against the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC), Governor Ademola Adeleke, and the State Attorney General. The plaintiffs seek to halt the elections, citing allegations of irregularities and the unlawful exclusion of candidates from the electoral process.
At the heart of the case, counsel for the claimants, Mr Muhydeen Adeoye, is seeking two primary reliefs: the invalidation of the amended election notice published by OSSIEC on July 18, 2024, and the inclusion of the disqualified candidates if the election proceeds.
Thursday’s hearing, presided over by Justice Adedapo Adeniji, saw an application for joinder filed by counsel for the All Peoples Party (APP), Monruf Adediran. However, the State Attorney General’s counsel, Mr Deji Atoyebi, requested additional time to respond to this application.
Meanwhile, OSSIEC’s counsel, Mr Musibau Adetunbi (SAN), proposed an out-of-court settlement to resolve the matter. He suggested that the claimants consider withdrawing their reliefs challenging the amended election notice and the lack of an Election Petition Tribunal. In exchange, OSSIEC would reconsider its earlier rejection of the candidates’ nominations.
Adeoye, acknowledging the time-sensitive nature of the case, assured the court that his team would consult with their clients on the proposed settlement and return with their position at the next hearing. He also expressed optimism, stating, “The APC leadership in the state, led by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Gboyega Oyetola, is fully behind us in this legal battle.”
Adetunbi, echoing the sentiment for fairness, added, “Our primary goal is to ensure justice for all parties. We’ve made a proposal for settlement, and if it is accepted, great. If not, we are prepared to continue the legal process.”
The case will reconvene on January 17, 2025, to determine the next steps, as both parties continue to explore potential resolutions.
