Just In : Parties Agree to Settle Out of Court on Ondo Local Govt legal battle
By Allen Sowore, Esq.
A High Court in Akure, presided over by Hon. Justice Yemi Fasanmi, has today adjourned the case challenging the appointment of Caretaker Committees for local governments in Ondo State. This adjournment follows a mutual agreement by the parties to seek an out-of-court settlement and to explore a political resolution to the issues in contention.
The legal battle commenced on November 10, 2023, when the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) filed a lawsuit against the Ondo State Government regarding the appointment of Caretaker Committees to administer local governments in the state. On December 21, 2023, the court had granted an injunction, restraining the government from inaugurating or managing local governments via these Committees.
During today’s hearing, the Honourable Attorney-General of Ondo State, Sir Charles Titiloye, withdrew his representation of the 1st to 3rd defendants – the Governor of Ondo State and the Ondo State House of Assembly. Mr. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, then stepped in to represent the Governor, while Mr. Femi Emodamori notified the court of his recent appointment, dated January 2, 2024, as counsel for the Ondo State House of Assembly.
Counsel for the Governor, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, leading Mr. Allen Sowore and Mr. Fade Ojamomi, informed the court of his fresh involvement in the case. He mentioned his discussions with the Claimant and other defendants, through their respective counsel, about pursuing a political solution. Adegboruwa emphasized the Governor’s commitment to maintaining peace and fostering development in Ondo State, expressing his intention to avoid any governance-related controversies.
Sir Charles Titiloye affirmed Mr. Adegboruwa’s statement, aligning it with the government’s stance. Representing the Claimant (PDP), Mr. Oyewole Awofade did not oppose these submissions, indicating the Claimant’s interest in a peaceful resolution of the case.
Mr. Femi Emodamori, representing the Ondo State House of Assembly, also supported Mr. Adegboruwa, SAN’s position.
After hearing from the parties’ counsel, the court adjourned the case to January 24, 2024, for a report on the settlement.
