Osun Tribunal ruling: Speaker sues for calm, Oyetola in control

Mr Najeem Salaam, the Speaker of Osun House of Assembly, on Monday called on residents in the state to be calm and be law abiding on the announcement of Sen. Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the 2018 state governorship election.

It was reported that the Election Petition Tribunal for Osun Governorship Election on Friday ruled that Adeleke of the PDP, who challenged the victory of Gov. Gboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the winner of the election.

Salaam, who was speaking during the state assembly’s plenary session, said that “Oyetola is still the governor of the state and still in-charge of the state’s administration.”

He said that the governor and his party, the APC, by right and law, would approach the appellate courts, the Appeal and Supreme courts, to challenge the judgment of the tribunal.

“Oyetola is still in-charge and he remains the governor of Osun state; APC is still the party in control of the state.

“Announcements had been made on radio and television stations for people of the state to remain calm with regard to the tribunal’s judgment.

“I want to appeal to residents to remain law abiding and give support to the government.

“I also want to warn hoodlums not to use the judgment pronouncement to disrupt the peace being enjoyed in the state.

“I am using this medium to call on security agents to charge and prevent any breakdown of law and order in the state,” Salaam said.

In a related development, the Osun Assembly has passed two bills before it: the Osun State High Court Amendment Act Bill 2019; and the Local Government Area Councils Creation and Administration Amendment Bill 2019.

The two bills were passed after the third reading on the floor of the House.

According to the Speaker, the two bills will become law after the governor’s ascent to them.

He said that the High Court Bill would increase the number of High Court judges in the state from 20 to 40 which will facilitate speedy judgments and resolution of cases.

He also said that the LGA Creation Bill would enable the creation of more local governments and the immediate creation of Ifedayo Area Council from Ifedayo Local Government Area to bring government closer to the people.