Court warns Oshiomhole, APC against arbitrary action over Ajimobi’s appointment

The Federal High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti has warned the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole against taking actions that can be sub-judice on the appointment of Senator Abiola Ajimobi as the national deputy chairman (south) of the party.

The court presided over by Justice U. N. Agoumoh, said it would be contemptuous for anyone to be appointed into the position by the APC’s national working committee until the case filed by an aspirant, Mr. Michael Akinleye contesting Ajimobi’s proposed nomination is determined.

The suit with registration number FHC/AD/CS/8/2020 was filed against the APC national working committee to halt Ajimobi’s appointment on the premise that the position has been micro-zoned to Ekiti state.

Joined in the suit are the APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, national working committee, national vice chairman (south-west), the APC south-west zonal caucus, Ekiti state chairman of APC, Ekiti state caucus of the APC, All Progressives Congress and Sen. Abiola Ajimobi.

The seat became vacant following the appointment of Niyi Adebayo as a minister with the Ekiti state chapter of the APC nominating Senator Gbenga Aluko to fill the vacancy in respect of the party’s micro-zoning, instead of moving the position to Oyo state.

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At yesterday’s proceeding, the counsel to the claimant, Taiwo Omidoyin drew the attention of the court to the fact that the national leadership of APC has gone ahead to appoint and inaugurate Sen. Ajimobi into the office, despite the pendency of the case.

Counsel to the respondent, Chief Anthony Adeniyi quickly interjected and denied vehemently, saying that “Ajimobi has neither been nominated nor installed as the deputy national chairman (south). I couldn’t have lied before the court having spent over 40 years at the bar as a lawyer.”

At this point, Justice Agoumoh said: “The position of this court that the status quo ante bellum be maintained in this case still subsists. I want to warn the lawyers to tell their clients not to do anything that will jeopardize the case in court.

“I hope your clients have not taken any steps as regard the case at hand? The consequences will be dire for anyone who flouts the order.”

The case has been adjourned to April 7 for further hearing.