Osun Election: Tribunal Okays Action Alliance Petitions, Approves Change of Counsel

Osun Election: Tribunal Okays Action Alliance Petitions, Approves Change of Counsel

By: Femi Mustapha

The Osun State Elections Petition Tribunal sitting in Osogbo, the state capital, has ruled that the Action Alliance (AA) should proceed with its petition against the state House of Assembly election held in the state.

The tribunal also declared that the party has the right to change its counsel, as the law allows petitioners to change their counsels as they see fit.

The Action Alliance had challenged the results of the last House of Assembly election held in 22 out of the 26 constituencies in the state.

Additionally, the party is challenging the results of the National Assembly election in all three senatorial districts and the nine federal constituencies.

During the tribunal’s sitting yesterday, the AA expressed its willingness to change its counsel to Onyinye Nweze.

The party had initially engaged the services of Mr. Muhydeen Adeoye for its petitions but later terminated his engagement.

Adeoye, represented by Kafayat Sanusi at the tribunal, alleged that the law firm of Adeoye paid the security cost. However, this was challenged by the national chairman of the party, Dr. Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, who was also present in court.

Omoaje informed the tribunal that his party had engaged the services of Kunle Adegoke SAN and no other person, adding that the transfer of legal services was not known to him.

Omoaje stated that the party preferred the services of Nweze, and this decision was upheld by the three-member tribunal.

The tribunal adjourned the hearing to August 15.