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Akungba Stool: Akeredolu Can’t Be Misled – Oba Alale’s Counsel

Published

3 years ago

November 16, 2022

Eric

A prominent lawyer, Barrister Banjo Ayenakin, the lead counsel to the Alale of Akungba, Oba Isaac Sunday Adeyeye, Ajimo III, has revealed that Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, would probably have been led astray to take improper action on the state of Obaship matter in the varsity town, if the Senior Advocate is not a learned member of the noble wig and gown profession.

“He would have been led astray on the legal issue of Obaship Stool of the University community of Akungba Akoko in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State”, the erudite lawyer declared.

Ayenakin, who spoke against the backdrop of speculations making the rounds that Oba Adeyeye had been deposed by the Supreme Court of Nigeria, disclosed to newsmen that he had written to the Governor on the contentious issue, still pending in court.

He further stated that the Governor has perused his petition and agreed that the Supreme Court must decide the case on its merit, and the Apex Court is yet to determine the matter before it.

The King’s Counsel submitted further that it would amount to gross abuse of court process, or executive recklessness to depose a sitting Oba who has a pending matter at the Supreme Court, or when an application for an injunction is pending.

Ayenakin also referenced the case of Governor of Lagos State VS Ojukwu, saying that: “the Court held that when an application for injunction is pending or appeal is pending in the court, even though it has not been heard or the case has not been fixed for hearing; nothing must be done about the subject matter of the action.”

He added that: “the Supreme Court’s judgment they (opponents of Oba Alale) are talking about is a motion that was filed at the Supreme Court and was struck out. How can anyone expect a Governor to implement a motion that was not upheld?

“If you have an application for a leave of appeal and it was struck out, by virtue of differences in your motion, the position of the law is that you file another one and he (Alale) has filed another one, let them (defendants) bring a judgement of the Supreme Court which states that the case has been heard and it has been dismissed?

“Thank God, we have a Governor who is a lawyer, otherwise he would have been misled. I have written to the Governor and he has read it and agreed that the Supreme Court must decide the case on its merit before it could draw the attention of Government. Governors don’t act on hearsay, on Obaship matter.

“The court has not decided the case yet on its merit. We filed a motion and the motion was struck out, We have gone back to say hear me on the merit. untill the Supreme Court says appeal dismissed, statusquo must be maintained. Our appeal has not been heard, which means the matter is not yet settled.

“The record of appeal is before the Supreme Court. Our brief of argument is before the Supreme Court, our Stay of Execution is before the Supreme Court. I’m surprised that a number of unlearned charlatans are propagating misinformation, making a lot of noise and causing disharmony in a usually serene varsity kingdom.

He added that “I’m also contending that the case was not properly reviewed issues of law were not properly appraised. These are the issues before the Supreme Court.

“There is no cause for alarm or panic in Akungba. I hope the agents behind the campaign of calumny, bent on standing law on its head would do the needful by abiding by the rule of law and principles of separation of powers between the judiciary and the executive. Kabiyesi Alale is sitting comfortably on the Throne and the people of Akungba have confidence in him. There is no tension or chaos in the town; as residents and students are going about their activities peacefully and mutually. Everywhere is cool, calm and prosperous.”

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Supreme Court Verdict: ADC Chieftain Advises Tinubu to Kiss Aso Rock Goodbye

Published

18 hours ago

May 2, 2026

Eric

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has declared that it is over for the President Bola Tinubu administration following the Supreme Court ruling that restored the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the opposition party.

Eze, in a statement on Friday, criticized the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) and the INEC chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, asserting that they should be ashamed for acting as obstacles to the survival of democracy in Nigeria.

He said: “The government led by President Bola Tinubu has tarnished the judiciary. Certain judges and courts are reportedly being systematically employed to undermine the leadership of political parties in anticipation of the 2027 general elections.

“Even when all seemed lost, given the recent court rulings in political cases, particularly those involving opposition parties, Thursday’s Supreme Court judgment was a divine intervention.

“We express our gratitude to God Almighty for prompting the Supreme Court to overturn that disgraceful, distorted, and anti-democratic ruling issued by the Federal High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the misguided interpretation and decision of INEC regarding our party, the ADC.”

He stressed that the time has come for Tinubu and his alleged undemocratic associates in Aso Rock to return to Lagos.

“With Thursday’s ruling saving the ADC from destruction, it is time for Tinubu to begin drafting his handover notes and prepare for his return to Lagos State,” Eze stated.

Eze advised the ADC to concentrate on its primary function as a prominent opposition party in the upcoming 2027 general elections, as that the leadership dispute has been resolved.

He emphasized that stability at the upper levels of the party will result in improved organization, clearer communication, and enhanced participation in Nigeria’s political arena.

Notably, he asserted that the ruling will add to Nigeria’s expanding collection of case laws regarding political party governance, and urged the ADC to stay focused on its objective of reclaiming power from the APC due to poor governance.

“It highlights the judiciary’s role in interpreting party constitutions and ensuring adherence, which may affect how future conflicts are resolved,” Eze stated.

He praised the panel for upholding justice, remarking that any opposing decision regarding the ADC’s alleged leadership issue would have further entangled the Judiciary in the murky waters of arbitral corruption.

“Clearly, this ruling has set the stage for cohesion, unity, stability, and effective leadership within the ADC.

“With this issue now definitively settled, even though it should not have been justiciable ab initio, as it pertains to an internal matter of a political party, we urge all our members, stakeholders, and supporters to unite behind the David Mark-led leadership of the ADC to collectively reposition the party for greater national significance, viability, and visibility,” Eze said.

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2027: We’re on Track, ADC Hails S’Court Ruling

Published

2 days ago

May 1, 2026

Eric

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared that it would never be intimidated, distracted, or silenced in its push to realize a better Nigeria.

Spokesman of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, said this in reaction to the Supreme Court ruling, which affirmed David Mark’s leadership of the party.

Abdullahi said the judgment has affirmed that the Mark and Rauf Aregbesola leadership of the party is legitimate.

Abdullahi said: “The African Democratic Congress (ADC) congratulates all our members and leaders across the country on today’s Supreme Court ruling which affirmed the leadership of our party under Senator David Mark as National Chairman, and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.

“Today’s decision is a clear affirmation that our party, its structures, and its leadership under our National Chairman, Senator Mark, and our National Secretary, Ogbeni Aregbesola, are legitimate.

“We commend the five-man panel of the Supreme Court, whose unanimous judgment has today done great credit to the judiciary in our country and our political system.

“However, while we welcome this judgment, we do not mistake it for the end of the struggle. The events leading up to this moment have exposed a troubling pattern of interference, bad faith, and attempts to weaken opposition voices in Nigeria.

“Let it be clearly stated: the ADC will not be intimidated, distracted, or silenced. We remain resolute in our mission to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative.

“We therefore urge all our members, supporters, and democratic stakeholders across the country to remain vigilant.”

Featured

Tinubu Appoints Bianca Ojukwu As Foreign Affairs Minister

Published

3 days ago

April 29, 2026

Eric

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The announcement was contained in a statement released on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy).

The appointment followed the resignation of the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down to participate in preparations for the 2027 elections.

According to the statement, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s elevation marks a return to a more senior role within Nigeria’s foreign service architecture, having previously served as Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Her new appointment places her at the helm of Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements, where she is expected to oversee the country’s foreign policy direction, strengthen international partnerships, and advance economic diplomacy objectives.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, following the resignation of Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down to participate in the 2027 elections.

“Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu previously served as Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

The Presidency noted that the decision forms part of ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria’s foreign policy framework for greater efficiency and stronger global engagement. It added that the new minister is expected to deepen diplomatic relations, promote Nigeria’s national interest, and ensure the welfare of Nigerians abroad remains a priority.

In the same announcement, President Tinubu also nominated Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, subject to Senate confirmation.

Enikanolaiye, from Kogi State, previously served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations. He is a seasoned diplomat with over three decades of service in Nigeria’s foreign affairs system and has held key postings in Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London, and New Delhi.

The Presidency said the appointments are part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture and improve the country’s global diplomatic engagement.

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu is a lawyer, diplomat, and former beauty queen who has had a long career in public service and international diplomacy.

She was born on 5 August 1967 in Anambra State and studied law at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1992 after attending the Nigerian Law School in Lagos.

Her academic background includes a Master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from Universidad Alfonso X El Sabio in Spain, as well as postgraduate diplomas in Human Rights and International Relations from the Berg Institute, Madrid, and in Dynamics of Conflict and Cooperation from the University for Peace in Costa Rica.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu previously served as Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Diaspora Matters and later became Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain from 2012 to 2015, where she also represented the country at the UN World Tourism Organization. She earlier served as Ambassador to Ghana.

She was appointed Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in October 2024 by President Bola Tinubu, where she supported Nigeria’s external affairs portfolio, including diplomacy, consular engagement, and international relations strategy. She has now been appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs.

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