Osun 2022: Court of Appeal rejects Oyetola’s request to relocate Election Tribunal

The Court of Appeal has rejected the request of the Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, to relocate the Election Petition Tribunal from Osogbo to Abuja due to allegation of security threat.

Recall that Oyetola’s party, All Progressives Congress, lost the 2022 governorship poll to the Peoples Democratic Party.

The election was won by Senator Ademola Adeleke.

The request for the movement of the Tribunal Constituted by the President of the Court of Appeal was made by Oyetola through his lawyer, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

The request was largely based on fear of security of the Tribunal members.

But this has been turned down by the Court of Appeal.

The reply was contained in a letter dated September 22, 2022 by the Acting Chief Registrar of the Court of Appeal, Umar Bangari.

Bangari said security agencies in the state have assured the Court of maximum security during the sittings.

According to the letter: “I am directed by Honorable President of Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice M.B Dongban Mensem to inform you that after due consultation on, and consideration of your request to move Election Tribunal to Abuja, the Honorable President is unable to accede to your request as security agencies in the state have assured the Court of cooperation and support in enhancing the security of the Tribunal and its sitting.”