By Jeleel Olawale
The hearing on the petition filed by the House of Representatives candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Ife Federal Constituency in the last general elections, Engr. Benjamin Adereti came up at the tribunal on Monday before Hon. Justice Birnin Kudu.
At the court on Monday, Barr. Eyitayo Jegede SAN, the lead counsel for the second defendant, Taofeek Ajilesoro made frantic efforts to stop the tribunal from proceeding with certificates forgery issue through an application quoting various sections of the electoral act to defend his position.
However, Barr. Peter Okedara, the lead counsel to the petitioner was on ground to respond to the application citing several related cases and submitted that the forgery case against Hon. Taofeek Ajilesoro on his primary school leaving certificate at St. Murumba in Lagere, Ifè, impersonation in WAEC result, multiple age claims and false declarations under oath must be heard before the Lordships.
Consequently, after listening to argument of both petitioner and defendant’s counsels, the judges ruled in favour of the petitioners. The case was adjourned till Friday 19th of May, 2023 for further hearing.