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Edo guber tribunal: APC Supreme Court case stalls hearing of Ighodalo’s petition
The hearing of petitions filed by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, challenging the declaration of Governor Monday Okpebholo as the winner of the Edo State governorship election, was on Monday stalled due to an All Progressives Congress, APC, suit coming up at the Supreme Court on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.
The three-man tribunal headed by Justice Wilfred Kpochi had on December 21, 2024, adjourned the hearing of the petitions to January 13, 2025, during the presentation of the pre-hearing and scheduling reports to parties and counsel in Benin City.
When the petition was called for hearing on Monday, the tribunal was notified that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the APC had filed a motion for adjournment to enable them to attend to a case at the Supreme Court.
The Assistant Secretary to the Tribunal, Dayo Dahunsi, informed the court that the application was from the Ist Respondent, INEC and the 2nd Respondent, APC, seeking adjournment of the sitting to Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
Dahunsi said the application was premeditated upon the premises that the lead counsel to the two applicants would be before the Supreme Court on Tuesday in a matter slated for definite hearing.
He stated that the applicants said that their requests also applied to other petitions against their clients before the tribunal.
Reacting counsel to the petitioner, Ken Mozia, SAN, said he was not opposed to the application in the spirit of cooperation.Mozia, represented by Oladipo Oshinowo, said the lead counsel to the petitioners got a copy of the motion seeking for adjournment late from the court’s registry.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who said they were prepared to commence trial on Monday, added that they were constrained to concede to the respondents’ request for adjournment.
He, however, averred that on the strength of the undertaking, such a request for adjournment shall not be made by the respondents in future.
The chairman of the tribunal, Justice Wilfred Kpochi who granted the respondents’ application, adjourned all petitions to Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission had on September 22, 2024 declared Senator Monday Okpebholo, the candidate of the APC, winner of the election.
Okpebholo polled 291,667 votes to defeat his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of PDP, who scored 247,274 votes.
The Federal Government has declared Friday, April 18, and Monday, April 21, 2025, as public holidays to mark Good Friday and Easter Monday.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Tuesday.
He emphasised the importance of embodying the virtues of the sacrifice and love displayed by Jesus Christ, who had to die for the redemption of man, while greeting Christians on the joyous occasion.
In a statement by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani, the minister called on Nigerians to use the holiday period to pray for the peace, unity, and stability of the nation.
Details later…
Some unknown gunmen have killed at least three policemen in Achi, Oji River Local Government Area, Enugu State.
Ohibaba.com learnt that the incident occurred at a checkpoint close to Ozudaa Market, Auchi.
Details of the incident are still sketchy as of the time of filing this report.
However, a viral gory video seen on Facebook by Ohibaba.com shows lifeless bodies of the slain policemen.
More to follow….
Watch the video on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Nasrk54MA/
In a decisive move to end the protracted land dispute between the Isinigbo and Igoba communities in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has approved the constitution of an Arbitration Committee to mediate the conflict and prevent further breakdown of law and order.
The committee is chaired by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON, expert in conflict resolution and a Fellow of the prestigious Chartered Institute of Arbitratirs in the United Kingdom.
The Governor’s action aligns with a resolution of the Ondo State House of Assembly and underscores his administration’s commitment to peace, security, and communal harmony across the state.
The land dispute between Isinigbo and Igoba has lingered for years, leading to the loss of lives and the destruction of property worth millions of naira.
The unrest has also strained social relations and disrupted the peaceful coexistence of residents in the affected communities.
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s intervention is seen as a bold step toward restoring order and ensuring long-term stability.
The committee’s mandate includes identifying the root and immediate causes of the conflict, key actors involved, and facilitating peaceful dialogue between stakeholders.
Other members of the committee include Hon. Ololade Gbegudu, representing Okitipupa Constituency II in the State House of Assembly; Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Wilson Afolabi; Ondo State Surveyor-General, Surv. Idowu Owolabi; and Mr. F.O. Adaramola, Secretary of the Ondo State Boundary Commission, who will serve as secretary of the committee.
According to the appointment letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, the committee is also expected to recommend actionable solutions to the boundary issues and propose strategic policies to prevent similar conflicts in other parts of the state.
The committee has been given a three-month timeline to complete its assignment and submit its report to the Deputy Governor, His Excellency Olayide Owolabi Adelami, for further action.
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