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By Akinwande Soji-Ojo
The Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan on Tuesday fixed January 31, 2019 for hearing in a suit filed by a former Deputy Governor of Oyo state, Hazeem Ola Gbolarumi against his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),the Independent National Electoral Commission and Dr. Kola Balogun, the PDP candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District.
In the suit marked FHC/IB/CS/140/2018, Gbolarumi is contesting the validity of the Oyo South senatorial ticket handed to Dr Kola Balogun.
The case is before Justice P.I. Ajoku. Counsel to PDP and Consel to Dr Balogun appeared but there was no legal representation for INEC.
Counsel to PDP, Adeniyi Farinto told the court that he the party’s National Legal adviser of the party only briefed him about the case on Monday evening. “I was only briefed about this matter yesterday evening about 5:30pm; I have not filed anything as the process is yet to get to me,” he said “I will be applying for an adjournment to allow me file all necessary papers”.
Olusesan Dada, counsel to Dr Balogun informed the court that the situation was the same with him. “The third defendant was just served on Friday evening. We are in the same situation, we also need time to file the processes and reply”he stated.
Justice Ajoku noted that the record before the court showed that INEC which is the second defendant was also served on Monday evening, stating that this may be the reason it wasn’t represented in court.
Counsel to Gbolarumi, Olayinka Esan in his reply told the court he will ensure that the defendant counsels get the processes filed by his client before the end of work hours on Monday.
Gbolarumi was present at the proceeding.
Justice Ajoku consequently adjourned the matter till January 31, 2019 for hearing with an order that hearing notices be issued on INEC.