New Oyo tribunal chairman cautions counsel against delay

After weeks of non-activi t ies leading to several adjournments, the new Chairman for the Oyo State election petition tribunal, Justice Mohammed Aliu Mayaki, yesterday warned counsels to various parties at the tribunal to avoid any technical delay that could further delay hearing and determination of cases. Following the retirement of the maiden tribunal chairman, Justice F. C Obieze, about a month ago, Justice Mahmud Karaye, who had been acting, could not preside over the tribunal until a substantive judge assumed office yesterday at the Iyaganku High Court.

On resumption yesterday, Mayaki adjourned all matters before the tribunal till July 28, so that applications can be taken. He said, ‘’We have to be careful to avoid unnecessary delay. There should not be any technical approach to issues.We on our part, will endeavour to provide substantial justice at the end of the day”, he said.

Earlier, he had prevented controversy over arguments on issues of whose application to be heard first between the Accord Party candidate Rasheed Ladoja’s counsel and that of Governor Abiola Ajimobi. Chief Richard Ogunwole (SAN) leads the team representing Ladoja, while Chief Wole Olanipekun leads the defence team for Ajimobi.

Aside Ajimobi, Senator Ladoja had dragged the All Progressives Congress (APC), Oyo Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Toyin Akeju and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to the tribunal over the results of the last governorship election in the state.