The Action Alliance (AA) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to respect Court orders delivered in favour of its national chairman, Hon Adekunle Rufai Omoaje and his faction.
The party also called on the electoral body to act swiftly on the display of the list of candidates submitted to it by the party’s National Chairman, Hon Omoaje as ordered by the court.
This is even as the party submitted the Court of Appeal judgment which gave credence to the leadership of Omoaje to INEC.
The party, in a letter signed by its counsel, Oba Maduabuchi (SAN), also urged INEC to make available its PIN to enable the party to upload its candidates’ details on the INEC portal.
While lamenting that despite the plethora of judgments, INEC had not provided the party with the PIN to upload its candidates’ details the party said the 2023 elections are fast approaching, hence the need for INEC to respect Court orders on time.
The letter titled ‘Re: Further Confirmation of Hon. Adekunle Rufai Omo-Aje as National Chairman of the Action Alliance (AA) Party by the Court of Appeal’ Submission of Court of Appeal Judgment Dated the 11th Day of November 22′ reads in parts, “I had on the 12th day of August 2022 forwarded to you the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division in which the Court of Appeal affirmed the expulsion/suspension of Barrister Kenneth Udeze from the Action Alliance.”
Osun State Governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola on Wednesday presented the staff of office to the new Akirun of Ikirun, Oba Olalekan Yunus Akadiri.
The presentation was done at an event held at the state ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Abere and attended by prominent indigenes of Ikirun including the Oluomo of Ikirun who doubles as the Elemo Aga of Ikirun land, High Chief Bamidele Onifade.
Oyetola who was represented by his Special Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Razaq Adeosun urged the people of Ikirun to collaborate with the new monarch for the progress and development of the town.
The Governor also charged the new monarch to rule the town with the fear of God and extend hands of fellowship to all and sundry.
He called for peace in the ancient town, even as he called in the people of the town to jettison issues that can divide them, calling on all the indigenes of the town to support Oba Akadiri.
Speaking, the monach expressed gratitude to God for the privilege to rule the town, just as he called for the support of all and sundry in his desire to ensure the overall development of the town.
He called on prominent indigenes of the town to team up with him for the overall development of the town.
The monarch who was flanked by his wife and other indigenes of the town expressed his willingness to rule with the fear of the Lord.
APPEAL COURT REAFFIRM OMOAJE AS ACTION ALLIANCE NATIONAL CHAIRMAN
The leadership tussle rocking the Action Alliance (AA) may have finally been laid to rest as the Abuja division of the Court of Appeal on Friday confirmed Hon Adekunle Rufai Omoaje as the authentic national chairman of the party.
The judgment delivered by Justice A.B Mohammed may have put an end to claim by one Kenneth Udeze, who is said to have been expelled from the party, that he is the national chairman of the party.
Justice A B Mohammed who presided over the court held that Omoaje is the only authentic and recognized national chairman of the Action Alliace and should be given the recognition forthwith.
Recalled that two counsel had attempted to represent the Action Alliance in a case instituted by Hon Awoniyi Awolola Awofala the Governorship candidate of Hon Adekunle Rufai Omoaje leadership of the party against Dr Olufemi Adeyemi of Kenneth Obidiche Udeze faction of the party at an Ogun State High Court sitting in Abeokuta.
However, the Friday ruling of the Court of Appeal has given credence to the candidates presented to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by the Hon Omoaje led faction of the party.
It would be recalled that a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had penultimate week ordered INEC to display the list of all the candidates presented to it by Omoaje at all levels.
With the ruling, Major Hamzat Al-mustapha who is said to be the presidential candidate of the party and others seeking elective positions under the Kenneth Udeze led faction may have their candidature forfeited.
In his ruling, Justice Mohammed upheld the ruling of the Ogun State High Court which recognized Omoaje as the national chairman of the Action Alliance.
The court held that the leadership of Hon Adekunle Rufai Omoaje is the only one recognized by the constitution of the party, as Kenneth Udeze had long been expelled from the party.
Besides, the court affirmed the suspension and subsequent expulsion of Udeze from the party.
Reacting to the Friday’s judgment, the National Chairman of the AA, Hon Omoaje described the judgment as a landmark victory for the rule of law and democracy.
He warned members of the party and general public not to have anything to do with Udeze on behalf of the Action Alliance.
He said all the contestants seeking elective posts at different levels in the party, aside the ones he submitted their names to INEC do so at their own peril.
2023: ACTION ALLIANCE WARNS AL-MUSTAPHA, OTHERS AGAINST IMPERSONATION
Following the Friday sack of Major Hamzat Al-mustapha as the presidential candidate of the Action Alliance (AA), by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, the party has warned Al-mustapha against parading himself as the party’s presidential flag bearer.
Also, the party warned others contesting various elective positions in the Kenneth Udeze led faction of the party to desist from parading themselves as the party’s flag bearer or face litigation.
Besides, the AA described as fallacy a statement credited to one Mr Emmanuel Johnson Chukwuka that himself and Major Hamzat Al-mustapha are still in the race to contest the 2023 presidential election.
National chairman of the party, Hon Adekunle Rufai Omoaje in his reaction to Chukwuka statement said the judgment delivered by Justice Z.B Abubakar of the Federal High Court, Abuja was not ambiguous, hence Chukwuka and his co-travellers should be able to interpret it.
Omoaje in a statement made available to newsmen in Akure yesterday, said, by the judgment of the Federal High Court Abuja which ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to display the list of candidates he submitted, Al-mustapha seized to be the party’s presidential candidate.
He advised both Al-mustapha and Chukwuka to respect the rule of law and prevent being charged for contempt as the party would not hesitate to charge them for impersonation and contempt if they continue to parade themselves as the presidential and Vice presidential candidates of the party respectively.
The AA National Chairman said the judgment was clear and unequivocal on the list of candidates to be displayed by INEC in it’s offices and on its website.
Also, Omoaje called on INEC to respect the court order and act fast, saying that “as a respected and independent institution, we expect INEC to act fast on the order of the Federal High Court Abuja delivered on Friday by His Lordship, Justice Abubakar.”
“The party will continue to toe the path of honour and we shall not undermine due process and rule of law in all our activities. The Action Alliance is one and all those who are out to destroy the party have been shown the way out,” he added.
ACTION ALLIANCE: OMOAJE FLOORS UDEZE AS COURT ORDERS INEC TO DISPLAY PARTY’S CANDIDATES SUBMITTED BY OMOAJE
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Friday ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to display the list of candidates seeking various elective positions under the Hon. Adekunle Rufai Omoaje faction of the Action Alliance (AA).
The court presided over by Justice Z.B Abubakar also held that the electoral body erred by failing to give recognition to the list of candidates submitted to it by Omoaje who is the National Chairman of the Action Alliance.
Omoaje had on behalf of himself and the Action Alliance approached the court to seek redress on the non recognition of the candidates submitted to INEC by him on behalf of the party.
By the judgement of the court, the candidates already announced by INEC including the presidential candidate, Major Hamzat Al-mustapha (rtd) are expected to be substituted by the list of candidates submitted by Omoaje.
Al-mustapha had earlier been announced as the presidential candidate of the AA by INEC and his name was already published in the website of the electoral body.
However, with the latest court judgment, Al-mustapha may be replaced by another person who gained the blessing of Hon Omoaje.
Recalled that Sunday Sun had exclusively reported that Al-mustapha might risk loosing the AA’s presidential ticket going by the litigation against him.
Delivering his ruling on Friday, Justice Abubakar who cited section 2(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022 should immediately publish the names and addresses of all candidates submitted by Omoaje on behalf of the Action Alliance.
“By the provision of section 29(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, the INEC should publish by displaying at the relevant office or offices of INEC and on its website.”
AKINRUN : POLICE WARN AGAINST VIOLENCE, THREATEN TO ARREST RIOTERS
Osun State Police command has warned the people of Ikirun, headquarters of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun State against violence over the appointment of the new Akinrun of Ikirun, Oba Olalekan Yunus Akadiri by the state government.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Faleye Sunday Olaleye handed down the warning at a peace parley held at the command headquarters in Osogbo on Tuesday.
The Police boss who met with the warring groups including prominent indigenes of the town and some traditional chiefs declared that he would not hesitate to arrest any individual who violates his order.
He advised any aggrieved individual or group of people to approach the court to seek redress, rather than engaging in breakdown of law and order.
The Police commissioner who frowned at the crisis which erupted in Ikirun as a result of the emergence of Oba Akadiri, warned against further mayhem in the town, just as he read the riot acts to residents of the town.
He cautioned members of the various ruling houses in the town against violent and charged them to respect the laws of the land.
It was gathered that the parties at the meeting resolved to embrace peace and allow harmony in the town.
Akinrun NOT BARRED FROM PALACE – IKIRUN CHIEF . SAYS NEW MONARCH IN SECLUSION OBSERVING RITES OF INSTALLATION
A traditional chief in Ikirun, headquarters of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun State, High Chief Bamidele Onifade has dispelled rumours making the round that the new traditional ruler of the town, Oba Olalekan Akadiri was barred from entering the palace.
Onifade who is the Elemo of Ikirun said the new monarch is currently in seclusion observing traditional rites as prescribed by the tradition and culture of the town.
He said “Oba Akadiri is currently in Ipebi as the tradition and custom of the town demand. He will be in seclusion for some days after which he will move to the palace. That is the practice in Ikirun.”
The High Chief noted that the rumor that the monarch was barred from entering the palace was the figment of imagination of some disgruntled elements who are not comfortable with the choice of Oba Akadiri.
He informed that the new monarch has commenced all traditional rites leading to his installation as the Akirun of Ikirun.
He advised anyone with grievances regarding the choice of the monarch by the Osun State government to approach the court and stop engaging in violence.
Onifade who is also the Oluomo of Ikirun maintained that the emergence of Oba Akadiri as the Akirun of Ikirun, followed all laid down traditional practices governing the selection and appointment of the Akirun.
DUE PROCESS FOLLOWED IN APPOINTING AKADIRI AS NEW AKIRUN – ONIFADE
A prominent traditional Chief in Ikirun, headquarters of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun State, High Chief Bamidele Onifade has declared that due process was followed in the appointment of the new Akirun of Ikirun, Oba Olalekan Akadiri.
Chief Onifade who is the Elemo Aga of Ikirun while featuring on a Fresh FM programme on Sunday informed that all traditional rites and processes were followed before the state government announced Oba Akadiri as the new monarch.
The traditional Chief stated that six of the Kingmakers voted for Akadiri to emerge the prefered traditional ruler of the town while one one kingmaker voted for his main contender.
He said the ruling of an Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo presided over by Justice Jide Falola led to the emergence of a candidate from the Obaara ruling house, as it was originally the turn of the Gboleru ruling house to produce Akirun.
He noted that the court directed that the Obaara ruling house should present candidate for the stool of Akirun and same was done by the family after which the Kingmakers voted and Akadiri emerged through majority vote.
Onifade who is also the Oluomo of Ikirun said the necessary traditional rites were done in accordance with the culture of Ikirun.
He appreciated the state government for allowing the wish of the people to see the light of the day through the appointment of Oba Akadiri.
He described the new monarch as a peace loving person who will work hard for the progress and development of the town, calling on all indigenes of the town to support him.
IKIRUN: STAKEHOLDERS HAIL AKADIRI’S EMERGENCE AS NEW AKIRUN Eminent personalities and leaders of thought in Ikirun, headquarters of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun State have lauded the appointment of Oba Olalekan Akadiri as the new Akirun of Ikirun.
The stakeholders in Ikirun among whom are traditional chiefs, honorary Chiefs and prominent business men and women described the selection and subsequent appointment of Oba Akadirias the best thing to have happened to Ikirun.
Osun State government had last week announced the appointment of Oba Akadiri as the new Akirun of Ikirun.
Akadiri who hails from the Oba Ara ruling house succeeds Oba Rauf Olayiwola Adedeji 11 who joined his ancestors last year.
The stakeholders also prayed to God to grant the new monarch the wisdom and knowledge to direct the affairs of the town, just as they called on all the indigenes of the town to rally round the monarch for him to succeed.
Besides, they called on all aggrieved parties to sheath their swords and support the monarch in moving the town forward.
Also, they called on all residents of the town to allow peace reign in the ancient town, even as they enjoined all and sundry to maintain peace in the interest of the town.
2023: AKIRE OF IKIRE-ILE CHARGES JOURNALISTS ON OBJECTIVE REPORTS
Ahead of the 2023 general elections, a prominent traditional ruler in Osun State, the Akire of Ikire-Ile, Oba Abdulazees Olatunbosun has charged journalists to be objective and truthful in their professional activities.
The monarch spoke in Osogbo, the state capital on Tuesday at a public lecture organized by the state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
He said “As we approach the 2023 general elections, I enjoin the Nigerian media to remain an impartial and patriotic participant in the activity that would usher in new sets of political leadership in the country.”
His words “The legislature has a unique and crucial role to play in the development of democratic governance through the production of appropriate laws and carry out oversight functions to engender societal progress and make life more meaningful for the people. To do this, the legislature has to remain people centered, progressive minded and God fearing.
“We live at a time in Nigeria where governance requires the support, patience and participation of everyone to succeed. In the glorious Qur’an, the Lord of the universe, Allâh says in part:
“Help ye one another in righteousness and piety, but help ye not one another in sin and rancour” (Qur’an 5:2).
“The legislature could be of great help to the executive and the people if members could be more circumspect in their relationship with the executive arm of government.
“For instance, Sir Celestine Ngozichim Omehia was sworn-in as the fourth Governor of Rivers State, on 29th May 2007, but his victory was annulled by the Supreme Court on 25th October, 2007 and Mr Chibuike Amaechi was sworn-in as Governor having been declared to be the legitimate PDP governorship candidate. The decision of the Supreme Court is that Omehia was never a governor and so should not be referred to as a former governor.
“However when Governor Wike came to power in 2015, he felt that Omehia should be recognized as a former governor, and somehow, the House of Assembly went ahead to support this idea to recognize Omehia as a former governor contrary to the Supreme Court ruling.
“The motion was perfected, moved and approved as a result of which Omehia enjoyed all the privileges of the State as a former governor including statutory payments.
“Few days ago however, the Rivers State House of Assembly in her wisdom decided to derecognize Omehia as a former governor because recognizing him as a former governor was contrary to the Supreme Court ruling. So, Governor Nyesom Wike signed to effect the legislative instrument of de-recognizing Omehia as former governor on Friday 7th October, 2022.
“But that did not come until he has been paid N695.5 million as former governor for over seven years. He was then asked to refund the money he was paid in seven years within seven days. This has led to a lot of arguments and counter arguments on a national scale. If the legislature had acted a little more independent, critically and carefully, maybe this scenario would have been completely avoided.
“Having said this, I like to commend the Osun State NUJ for this initiative to provide an annual platform for discussing pertinent issues of progress and development to Nigeria. As we approach the 2023 general elections, I enjoin the Nigerian media to remain an impartial and patriotic participant in the activity that would usher in new sets of political leadership in the country,” he added.
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