The Supreme Court has dismissed the separate appeals filed by Otunba Jimi Lawal and his group members, Taiwo Olabode Idris against the appeal court ruling that allowed Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu’s application against the judgement of the Federal High Court, Abeokuta delivered by Justice O. Oguntoyinbo on 27th September, 2022.
The Supreme Court panel of Justices led by Justice Kekere Ekun before dismissing the two appeals on Wednesday expressed displeasure over the actions of the appellants against the decision of the Appeal court.
The apex court noted that their actions were just aimed at frustrating the appeal of Hon. Adebutu at the Appeal court sitting in Ibadan despite been heard and allowed.
The panel, therefore, in a unanimous decision, dismissed the two appeals filed by Jimi Lawal and Taiwo Olabode Idris.
The Daily Crucible recalls that the Appeal Court, Ibadan before its final judgment delivered on 28th November, 2022 on the Appeal filed by Adebutu against the trial court judgement of Justice Oguntoyinbo ruled and allowed Adebutu to rely on records transmitted by the Peoples Democratic Party in appeal No. CA/ IB/411/2022 for his application.
However, counsels to both parties in the matter, Chief Chris Uche, SAN for Adebutu and Dr Kemi Peinhero for Taiwo Olabode Idris & co contended that the application should be allowed and otherwise but the ruling delivered by Justice Folashade Ojo on behalf of Justice Moore Adumein and Justice Yargata Nimpa allowed the application in favour of Adebutu with appeal No. CA/ IB/411A/2022.
But reacting, Jimi Lawal said the Appeals had not been heard let alone being dismissed, adding that there is yet neither winners nor losers in respect of the matter.
Lawal added that report of the appeals being dismissed was the twisted work of peddlers and purveyors of falsehood and lies.
Reacting through a statement by Austin Oniyokor, Project Director of Jimi Adebisi Lawal Campaign Organization (JALCO), he clarified that the apex court directed that the interlocutory appeals should be withdrawn and advised parties to face the substantive appeals.
According to him, the interlocutory appeals were subsequently withdrawn while a date for the hearing of the substantive appeals would soon be communicated to the parties.
The statement reads in full, “The attention of the Otunba Jimi Adebisi Lawal Campaign Organization (JALCO) has been drawn to a twisted news report that the Supreme Court has dismissed the cases challenging the nomination of Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu as the the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun state.
“Contrary to the falsehood being peddled by the purveyors of lies, the Supreme Court has not heard let alone dismissed the substantive appeals filed by Taiwo Olabode and other delegates against Adebutu’s nomination.
“Rather, the apex court directed that the interlocutory appeals should be withdrawn and advised parties to face the substantive appeals.
“Consequently, the interlocutory appeals were subsequently withdrawn. A date for the hearing of the substantive appeals will soon be communicated to the parties.
“Meanwhile, it should be noted that the appeal filed by Otunba Jimi Adebisi Lawal (JAL) against the judgment of the Federal High Court that was delivered on the 1st of December, 2022 will soon come up at the Court of Appeal, Abuja.
“We urge all our leaders, elders, supporters and the general public to remain calm and focus on the big picture.
“We remain confident that the truth will prevail in the near future, by the grace of God.”
