Ozekhome Rebukes Adegoke’s Letter, Warns Against Distortion of Court Rulings in Osun LG Crisis
Constitutional Lawyer Counters Misleading Interpretation of Appellate Court Judgment
Renowned constitutional lawyer Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN has issued a strong rebuttal to claims made by his colleague Kunle Adegoke, SAN regarding the legal status of former local government chairmen in Osun State. The senior advocate described Adegoke’s widely circulated seven-page letter as containing “misleading” and “legally distorted” interpretations of a recent Court of Appeal judgment.
Court of Appeal Judgment Misrepresented
In his detailed rejoinder, Ozekhome clarified that the Court of Appeal in Appeal No: CA/AK/270/2022 never affirmed the reinstatement of the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmen and councillors removed after the controversial October 15, 2022 local government elections. The appellate court’s February 10, 2025 judgment merely struck out the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) suit on procedural grounds, deeming the issues “academic.”
“The court made it clear that it did not delve into the merits of the alleged reinstatement. Any contrary claim is plainly false,” Ozekhome stated emphatically.
APC’s Failed Legal Challenges
The senior advocate highlighted that the Federal High Court in Suit No: FHC/OS/CS/103/22 had unequivocally sacked the APC officials on November 30, 2022. All subsequent attempts to overturn this judgment failed, including:
- The Court of Appeal dismissing the APC’s appeal on January 13, 2025 for lack of diligent prosecution
- The appellate court rejecting their application for relisting on June 13, 2025
Ozekhome noted the irony that despite fresh local government elections being conducted on February 22, 2025 to fill the vacant seats, APC members continued falsely claiming reinstatement.
Action Peoples Party Judgment Remains Valid
The constitutional expert referenced a separate suit by the Action Peoples Party (APP) which led to the nullification of the APC-led local elections. He emphasized this judgment remains valid and binding under Section 287(3) of the 1999 Constitution.
Call for Attorney-General’s Intervention
Ozekhome made several recommendations to the Attorney-General of the Federation:
- Implement the Court of Appeal judgment of June 13, 2025 affirming the Federal High Court’s November 30, 2022 decision
- Direct security agencies to remove illegal occupants from LG secretariats
- Recognize PDP officials elected in the February 2025 polls
- Reject misleading interpretations of court rulings
- Uphold constitutionalism and rule of law
Professional Courtesy Breached
The senior advocate criticized Adegoke for not extending professional courtesy by sharing the contentious letter with him before circulation, despite extensively referencing his legal opinions. “That omission speaks volumes,” Ozekhome remarked.
Warning Against Judicial Manipulation
Ozekhome accused the Osun APC of deliberately misrepresenting court rulings to regain control of local councils, warning such conduct undermines judicial integrity and democratic principles. He challenged Adegoke and the APC to produce any portion of the appellate court judgment explicitly ordering reinstatement of the sacked officials.
“It is disheartening when senior members of the Bar resort to twisting judicial pronouncements for political ends,” Ozekhome stated, urging authorities to rely on authentic court judgments rather than partisan interpretations.
The constitutional lawyer concluded by expressing confidence in the Attorney-General’s commitment to constitutionalism and calling for swift action to preserve public confidence in Nigeria’s legal and democratic processes.
Full credit to the original publisher: Sahel Standard