Oyo guber: Conflict in legal representations stalls proceedings on Accord candidate, leadership crises

…as Court adjourns till Sept 30, 2026

Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday adjourned the suit arising over the governorship candidate and unresolved leadership crises in Accord Party in Oyo state till September 30, 2026, over the conflict in legal representations for the party.

The case could not proceed as scheduled as a result of appearance made by the different lawyers on behalf of the party.

The Presiding judge thereby resolve to adjourn the case in order to give all the interested parties in the case time to resolve their differences on the legal representation.

Olakunle Busari, in suit number: FHC/IB/CS/97/26, filed on his behalf by his counsel, Tunji Ogunrinde, SAN, is asking the court to direct the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to delist and remove the name of Oriyomi Hamzat, which was allegedly uploaded by a section of the party leadership, from its portal and replace it with his name as the authentic and rightful governorship candidate of Accord for the 2027 general elections in Oyo State.

In a sideline interview, the lead counsel, Hon. Olakunle Busari, Tunji Ogunrinde, SAN, said the court has directed the parties to resolve the issue of legal representation before the matter can proceed.

ALSO READ: Emir Ajagungbade: Police deepen probe as another corpse recovered at Ile-Ife park

Ogunrinde submitted that an application before the court could not be taken because of the conflicting representations.

He added that the parties are expected to address the issue before the next adjourned date.

Also, the State secretary of the party in Oyo state, Dairo Olayinka expressed surprise over the appearance of anothed lawyer who claimed to be representing the interest of the party in the case.

He maintained that the party executives had already appointed counsel and issued a letter authorising the lawyer to represent its interests in court.

The Southwest leader of the party, Mogaji Igbinsola Sunday, described the development as an attempt to delay the proceedings. 

He maintained that the issue of proper legal representation must be settled before the next sitting, insisting that Accord’s interests must be properly presented before the court.

The National Secretary of the party, Honourable Ajaja Adebukola, also criticised the emergence of another counsel, alleging that the individual who engaged the lawyer lacked the authority to do so on behalf of Accord Party. 

She maintained that only the duly authorised leadership of the party could determine who represents it in the matter.