Judiciary

Ogun Governor Hails Approval of New Appeal Court Division

By Web News 340

By Abimbola Bamgbose

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has praised the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, for approving the establishment of the Abeokuta Division of the Court of Appeal.

The governor described the approval as a landmark decision that will strengthen justice delivery, improve investor confidence, and boost the state’s economy.

Speaking at the Treasury Board Meeting on the 2025–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and the 2026 Budget Session in Abeokuta, Prince Abiodun said the new division will ease the heavy workload on the Ibadan Division, which currently handles about 75 percent of Ogun State’s appeal cases.

He announced that the state has secured land for the new complex along Kobape Road and will begin construction immediately, even before federal funding arrives.

The governor commended Justice Dongban-Mensem for her foresight and fairness, describing the approval as a major contribution to Ogun’s Ease of Doing Business ranking and a testament to strong collaboration between the judiciary and the state government.

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Politics

Court Upholds Aiyedatiwa’s Victory, Dismisses Edema’s Appeal

By Web News 115

The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, the Ondo State capital, has dismissed the appeal filed by the candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party in the November 16, 2024, governorship election in Ondo State, Olugbenga Edema, against the victory of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami.

Edema had earlier approached the Federal High Court to order the Independent National Electoral Commission to remove the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Aiyedatiwa, and his running mate, Adelami, from the list of candidates that contested the poll.

He also asked the court to interpret the application of Section 15 of the Third Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) over the nomination of the APC candidate. However, the court struck out the case.

Not satisfied with the outcome of the lower court, Edema approached the appellate court to challenge the high court’s verdict.

In the judgement delivered by the appeal court on Wednesday, Justice Oyebisi Omoleye affirmed the judgement of the Federal High Court.

In the verdict, the three-man appeal court panel unanimously resolved all the issues formulated against Edema and consequently dismissed the appeal for abuse of court process and for lack of merit. The court also awarded a fine of N1 million to each of the respondents.

In his reaction to the judgement, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo SAN, lauded the courage of the judges, saying he agreed with the decision of the court.

Ajulo said, “One cannot but salute the industry and courage of the judges. I was in the court from the beginning to the end. You can see the erudition and the research that can sum up the judgment. On the judgment, I think we will need to first see this as another reaffirmation of the mandate of the people reposed on the governor of the state, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

“We have been saying it; the 18–0 is not a fluke, and this has been reaffirmed again. One just needs to salute the courage of the whole people of this state. Both the appellant and the respondent are citizens of this state.

“I have been saying this: there must be an end to this litigation; the people have spoken, and they spoke clearly. Using any other means, running from pillar to post, will not help; we belong to the same family, and we need to come together. What we should be discussing now is to see how we can move Ondo State forward, not with this endless litigation. Going further is a waste of time.”

Punch/Adebukola Aluko

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Judiciary

Court of Appeal did not reinstate the council chairmen – Commissioner for Justice

By Web News 412

By Mojisola Oladele

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Osun State, Mr.Oluwole Jimi- Bada said the Court of Appeal did not reinstate the council chairmen sacked by a Federal High Court in the state.

Mr. Jimi – Bada made the clarification while addressing newsmen in his office, State Secretariat in Osogbo.

He maintained that the court never reinstated the sacked council officials, saying the judgement in the case filed by the APP, wherein the court nullified the election is the realm that affected all parties.

Mr. Jimi – Bada explains “I want to confirm to you straight away that Court of Appeal Akure did not go into the merit of the Appeal launched by the APC before them. Their finding was just that there was no cause of action on as at the time PDP brought suit against OSSIEC at the Federal High Court and what the Court of Appeal did was to strike out the originating summon filed by the PDP, and that was all.”

Radio Nigeria Correspondent report that, There had been counter interpretation of the Judgement of the Court of Appeal sitting in Akure held on 10th February , among the State government, the All Progressives Congress, APC, Peoples Democratic Party ,PDP and the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission,OSSEIC.

While the APC said the appellate court reinstated the sacked elected council officials, the PDP and state government disagreed, saying it only struck out PDP’s case.

Meanwhile, the official activities across the Thirty Local Government Areas under the leadership of Heads of Local Government Administration, went on smoothly as at the time of filling in this report. 

However combined Security Operatives were noticed around the premises of the Local Government secretariats.

Judiciary

Abiodun Makes Case for Creation of Appeal Court in Ogun

By Web News 374

By Abimbola Bamgbose 

Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun has solicited for the creation of the Court of Appeal division in the state.

Governor Abiodun made the plea on Wednesday when he played host to the President Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mense in his office at Oke-mosan, Abeokuta. 

The Governor explained that the creation of the court of appeal, Ogun division would relieve the high workloads on the Ibadan division.

Rolling out some of the achievements of his government in the judiciary, Prince Abiodun noted that the administration created a special court to deal with the issue of cultism, operationalization of the customary court of appeal, and the multi-door court.

He expressed his administration’s commitment to the welfare and well-being of Justices for them to dispense justice in time.

Earlier, the President, Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mense said the team of Justices came to decongest the Ibadan division of the Court of Appeal of pending appeals.

She lamented the heavy load of appeals and the continued depletion of Justices of the Court of Appeal.

On the entourage was the Chief Judge of Ogun state,  Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, the Presiding Judges of the Ibadan, Ilorin, Abuja and Yola Courts of Appeal among others.

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Judiciary

Oyo Govt Files Appeal against Soun’s Removal

By Web News 489

The Oyo State Government has filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Judicial Division, to challenge a High Court verdict in Ogbomoso, which upturned the selection and installation of the new Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye.

According to reports the state government announced Olaoye as the new Soun and made him King, on Friday, September 8, 2023.

Justice Kareem Adedokun had, on Wednesday, October 25, in his judgment on suit no. HOG/27/2023 between Prince Kabir Olaoye vs the Governor of Oyo State and 11 others, said that the procedure for the nomination of the Soun of Ogbomoso, the 12th Defendant, was, “irregular, null and void.’’ for not strictly complying with the provisions of the Soun Chieftaincy declaration of 1958.

The same judge had, in a suit no. HOG/20/2023, instituted by Prince Taofeeq Olaoye also challenging Oba Olaoye in which judgment was delivered on October 3, Adedokun ruled that the procedure was, “right, valid and proper.”

However, the government also filed a stay of execution pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.

The application is also seeking an order from the court, restraining the claimant/respondent by himself or through his servants, agents, privies or otherwise whatsoever prevent him from taking any step or further step in recognition or in pursuance of the judgment of the High Court delivered by Adedokun.

Dissatisfied with the judgment, the appeal was filed by Akin Onigbinde (SAN) and Co in Ibadan, on behalf of the state governor, Seyi Makinde, the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, and the State Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy matter.

The notice of appeal dated October 27, is seeking an order setting aside the judgment of the trial court of October 25, or an order of re-trial before another judge of the state High Court.

The six grounds of appeal pointed out how the trial Judge erred in his submission and how the judgment of October 25, 2023, is against the weight of evidence before the Honourable Court.

The respondents included Dapo Atanda, Esq of Dapo Atanda’s Chambers; Ogbomoso North Local Government, Kinnira, Ogbomoso; the Traditional Council of Ogbomoso North Kinnira, Ogbomoso; S. A. Mohammed Esq., Mohammed & Mohammed & Co; Mobolaji Chambers, Kola Fatoye Esq, Chief Samuel Otolorin, Chief Salawu Ajadi, Chief Tijani Abioye, Chief David Adeniran Ojo, Pastor Afolabi Ghandi Oladunni Olaoye and others.

Punch/Adebukola Aluko

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Judiciary News

Legal Icon Advocates Decentralization of Supreme Court

By Web News 385

By Iyabo Adebisi

A retired Justice of Court of Appeal, Abuja, Division, Justice Peter Ige has advocated the decentralization of supreme Court  for more effective administration of justice.

He stated this at his retirement valedictory court session in his honour held at the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division. 

Justice Ige pointed out that there was nothing wrong if the supreme Court have divisions like Court of appeal especially in the six geo-political zones to take justices to the grassroots and reduce burden on court. 

Justice Ige however called for the appointment of more Judges to complement the 90 Judges  the Appeal Court is currently having, noting that Court of Appeal had been depleted as a result of retirements and deaths thereby making the workload of the intermediate Court very heavy. 

He equally urged the Federal government to look into the the need for all pre and post- election matter to be determined before swearing in of winners of elections for transparency and sanity into the nation’s electoral process. 

Justice Ige while making his observations on legal impediments in legal electoral adjudication in Nigeria believed strongly that post election matters be determined for the mutual benefit of all the  stakeholders in electoral process and adjudication. 

The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Dongban-Mensem who spoke through  Justice Chioma Nwosu- Iheme noted that Justice Ige  exemplified the virtue of fairness, integrity, diligence and deep commitment to upholding principle of justice expected of a judicial officer

The representative of the Nigeria Bar Association, Dr Oladipo Olatope, while lauding the recent reforms of President Tinubu led government, stressed the need for necessary transformational reforms that would ensure administration of justice as well as enhance the nation’s legal jurisprudence. 

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Politics

Court of Appeal Defers Judgment On Uche Secondus vs PDP

By Web News 728

The Court of Appeal, sitting in Port-Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, has deferred to Friday, judgement on Uche Secondus’ suit seeking the stoppage of the national convention of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP.

It was learnt that the suspended National Chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus, is seeking the stoppage of the national convention scheduled for 30-31 October, 2021.

Adewumi Faniran /The Sun

Judiciary

Governor Makinde Seeks Assembly Confirmation Of Justice Abbas As Appeal Court President

By Web News 1171

The Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde has forwarded the name of Hon. Justice Moshood Abass to the State House of Assembly for confirmation as the new President, Customary Court of Appeal in the State.

In the letter read by the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin, the Governor said the decision followed the retirement of the immediate past President Oyo State Customary Court of Appeal, Hon Justice Aderonke Aderemi on the 4th of January, 2021.

The nomination of Hon Justice Moshood Abass was sequel to his recommendation to the National Judicial Council, NJC by the Oyo State Judicial Service Commission.

The Speaker said date and time for the screening of Honourable Justice Moshood Akintunde Akinfemi Abass will be announced by the House and communicated accordingly.

Mosope Kehinde

Judiciary

Ogun to Establish Division of Court of Appeal, Judicial Village

By Web News 850

Ogun State Government is working assiduously towards ensuring that a division of the Court of Appeal is established in the state.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, who made this known in  Oke Mosan Abeokuta while swearing-in Mrs Olatunde Sobowale as a new judge in the state judiciary, said the step became necessary towards bringing the administration of justice closer to the people.

While pointing out that temporary and permanent sites had been designated for the establishment of the court, Governor Abiodun said his administration would continue to ensure equitable dispensation of justice.

The governor said his administration was also taking a step to establish a Judiciary village in the state towards providing befitting accommodations for judges, maintaining that the state government would continue to give priority to the welfare of judges.

He also urged the newly sworn in judge to be faithful to the oath of office and dispense justice without fear or favour.

Bolanle Adesida

Yoruba

Ilé Ẹjọ́ kòtẹ́milọ́rùn ti gbé ìgbẹ́jọ́ kalẹ̀ lórí ẹjọ́ àwọn alága ìjọba ìbílẹ̀

By Web News 1392

Ilé ẹjọ́ kòtẹ́milọ́rùn ti da ìgbẹ́jọ́ ìgbẹ́jọ́ ilé ẹjọ́ gíga tí ìpínlẹ̀ ọ̀yọ́ gbé kalẹ̀ tó ka ìjọba ìpínlẹ̀ ọ̀yọ́ lápákò láti júwe ilé fún àwọn alága ìjọba ìbílẹ̀ nù.

Ilé ẹjọ́ náà ní ìgbẹ́jọ́ tí ilé ẹjọ́ gíga gbé kalẹ̀ ni wọ́n gbé lórí ountí wọ́n lérò léyi tí wọ́n kò lee gbà wọlé.

Nínú ìdájọ́ tí onídajọ́ Haruna Tsammani kà, ó ní ó ní kò sí ẹ̀rí láti gbe ẹjọ́ ìgbésẹ̀ ìjọba ìpínlẹ̀ yi lẹ́sẹ̀ lásìkò ti àwọn alága ìjọba ìbílẹ̀ pe ẹjọ́ náà lọ́dún tó kọjá.

Àmọ́ sá ilé ẹjọ́ náà sọ ni pàtó bóyá ìjọba ìpínlẹ̀ yi lágbára láti yọ àwọn alága ìjọba ìbílẹ̀ tí wọn dìbò yàn tàbí bẹ́ẹ̀kọ lèyí tí ó ní ilé ẹjọ́ gíga ti pinlẹ̀ yi gbé ìgbẹ́jọ́ rẹ̀ kà.

Lósù karun ọdún tó kọjá ni àwọn alága ìjọba ìbílẹ̀ lọ síwájú ilé ẹjọ́ gíga tìpínlẹ̀ yi láti ká ìjọba lọ́wọ́kọ́ láti máse yọ wọ́n nípò léyi tí ilé ẹjọ fọwọ́sí wípé ìjọba ìpínlẹ̀ yi kò lágbára láti yọ àwọn alága tí wọ́n dìbò yàn kúrò nípò.

Sunday Ogunyẹmi/Dada Yẹmisi

Politics

Court Strikes out Appeal against Ondo APC Lawmaker

By Web News 908

The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, the Ondo State capital has dismissed an appeal filed by the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Osulowo Tibetan against the election of a lawmaker representing Okitipupa State Constituency -2, Mr James Ololade-Gbegudu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Ondo State High Court sitting in Akure, Appeal Court and the Supreme Court had upheld the sack of Akinwunmi of the APC as a member of the Ondo State House of Assembly and declared Ololade-Gbegudu as the winner of the 2019 APC assembly primary.

Months after the case had been settled in favour of Ololade-Gbegudu, the PDP assembly candidate in the 2019 general election, Osulowo approached the Appellate Court to grant him the permission to appeal against the court’s decision and asked the court to declare him the winner of the poll.

Osulowo noted that since Akinwunmi who participated in the election had been sacked for not winning his party’s primaries, he should have been declared the lawmaker instead of Ololade-Gbegudu.

Delivering the lead judgment of the Court through a virtual proceeding with all the Counsel to the parties in attendance in the open Court, Justice O. F Omoleye agreed with the lawmaker’s Counsels, Femi Emodamori and Ifedayo Olanipekun that the application of the PDP candidate contravened Section 285(11) and (12) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The court held that the constitution stipulates that an appeal in a pre-election matter must be filed within 14 days from the date of the judgment, and that the appeal itself must be heard and determined within 60 days after same is filed. 

The Court consequently struck out the application with N100,000 costs awarded against PDP and Osulowo Tibetan, in favour of Mr Ololade-Gbegudu.

Leke Adegbite

Judiciary

Oyo LG Tussle: Appeal Court Set to Deliver Judgment

By Web News 2595

The Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan has reserved judgment in a suit filed by the Oyo State Government against the dissolved 33 Local Government Chairmen and 35 LCDAs in Oyo State.

In his argument, counsel to the Oyo State Government, Mr. Kunle Kalejaye, SAN, said the lower court has no jurisdiction to hear the case because it was premature as at the time the case was filed.

Mr. Kalejaye said the chairmen filed the suit at the lower court based on a rumour they heard that Engineer Makinde would dissolve them after his swearing-in on May 29, 2019.

He said the case was filed at the lower court and judgment obtained by the respondents before they were dissolved.

Mr. Kalejaye urged the court to dismiss the judgment of the lower court and uphold the appeal.

In his argument, Counsel to the respondents, Mr. Yusuf Ali SAN, said the action cannot be termed premature because the law allows a person to approach the court when such person noticed that his right would be threatened.

Mr. Ali said the law always protects the right of any individual and only an irresponsible person would wait for his eye to be plugged after noticing that such thing was about to happen.

He urged the court dismissed the appeal and uphold the judgment of the lower court to prevent such actions from happening in future. 

The three-man panel of Appeal chaired by Justice Jimi Bada reserved the judgment after hearing argument of counsel to both parties in the suit.

Justice Bada said the judgment date would be communicated to the respective counsels.

The Oyo State Government had appealed against the Judgment of the Oyo State High Court delivered on May 6, 2019 by Justice Aderonke Aderemi ordering the state government not to dissolve the elected 33 Local Government chairmen and 35 LCDAs in Oyo State.

Sunday Ogunyemi