Biodun Oyebanji, governor of Ekiti State, and Monisade Afuye, his deputy, closed their case before the Election Petition Tribunal on Wednesday in the case filed by Social Democratic Party candidate Segun Oni challenging their victory in the June 18 governorship election.
Through their lead attorney, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Oyebanji and Afuye, the APC candidate and running mate elected by the Independent National Electoral Commission, announced their intention to settle their case at the tribunal.
Oyebanji and Afuye are the first and fifth respondents, respectively; the APC is the second party to join the petition.Third, Alhaji Mai Mala Buni;as well as INEC
During the sitting, Fagbemi informed the three members of the panel that the first and fifth respondents’ decision to close their case at the tribunal was the result of extensive deliberation.
Akinlolu Olujimi (SAN), APC’s lead attorney, requested two days from the tribunal to prepare the witnesses for their days in the witness box because he did not anticipate that the first and fifth respondents would close their cases so quickly.
Mr. Shaibu Aruwa (SAN), Buni’s lead attorney, said he was surprised by the development, but he couldn’t get his witness ready to fill in the time.
However, Justice Kpochi, Chairman of the Tribunal, delayed deciding on the next course of action until Thursday, October 20, 2022.
After calling their witnesses, the petitioners (Oni and SDP) closed their case before the tribunal last week through their lead attorney, Mr. Obafemi Adewale (SAN).