Kehinde Fajobi
The Federal High Court in Akure has reserved its judgement in a suit challenging the eligibility of Ondo State Deputy Governor, Dr Olaiyide Adelami, as the running mate to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the November 16 governorship election.
The case, filed by Hon Agboola Ajayi, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, contests Adelami’s qualification due to alleged inconsistencies in his names.
Ajayi’s lawyer, M. Ndoka SAN, argued that Adelami’s use of conflicting names, including “Adelami Owolabi Jackson” and “Adelami Olaide Owolabi,” disqualifies him under the constitution.
Ajayi sought a court declaration that Adelami is unfit to contest as the APC’s deputy governorship candidate and that the APC had no validly nominated candidates for the election.
He also asked for an order barring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the APC candidates.
Adelami’s defence, led by Dr Remi Olatubora SAN, countered that the discrepancies were merely differences in the arrangement of names on official documents, including a 1974 WAEC result and a 1982 university certificate.
Olatubora also argued that Ajayi lacked the legal standing to file the suit, stating, “The plaintiffs lack the locus standi to file the suit or seek the reliefs set out in the originating summons. This suit, as a matter of law, does not qualify as a pre-election matter.”
Representatives for the other defendants included Tayo Oyetibo SAN for Governor Aiyedatiwa, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa SAN for the APC, and Charles Edosan SAN for INEC.
Justice Toyin Adegoke, presiding over the case, announced that a date for the judgement would be communicated to all parties.