High Court Under Attacks As Litigation Against Fayose Begins

A group of hoodlums attacked the Ekiti State High Court on September 22, 2014, and disrupted the proceedings in a case challenging the eligibility of the Governor-elect, Mr. Ayodele Fayose to contest June 21 held governorship election.
The attack had begun as judge, Justice Olusegun Ogunyemi declined an election application to set aside an order abridging the time for Fayose to submit his defence in the suit filed but socio-political group by a member, Mr. Femi Ajakaiye.  

The Judge had moved the sitting to 12 noon so as to start on another similar case but this time filed Citizen Popular Party before the thugs attacked.

As the Judge was on his way back, thugs besieged the court, but thanks to swift security, the Judge was smuggled out of the premise to avoid being lynched. 

Officials ranging from lawyers and journalists had to run away for their lives as the protesters went crazy, thinking all were perceived opponents of the PDP. 

As of right now, there is no confirmation by the police if any arrest has been made.

The thugs had numbered around 100 and were said to be particularly angered by the Judge’s handling of the case. 

The Chairman of Ado West Local Council Development Authority, Mr. Sunday Ibitoye, and Ajakaye then faced the wrath of the mob, who attacked them.  

The thugs had earlier been arguing with Court security officials after they were earlier prevented from entering the court while others went in. 

The thugs had then started to insult the Judge and describing the way he was being partial with the way he judged.

The Judge had said that PDP and Fayose failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt the reasons why the court could not hear the substantive suit. 

The Interim Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Jide Awe, said:“We are back to the Idi Amin era in Ekiti where judges and lawyers are attacked in court. This is terrible.

“But the APC has no case in the court and we were not there to witness the attack.”

However, PDP Publicity Secretary, Kola Oluwawole said: “The judge openly demonstrated in his ruling that he has jurisdiction on the matter and simultaneously commenced hearing of the matter without giving the respondent the opportunity to signify an appeal. 

“The PDP also condemns the barbaric action of the APC thugs who attacked voters that voluntarily voted for Ayo Fayose in the last governorship election.” 

Peter Ayodele Fayose is poised to begin his second term in office as Governor of Ekiti state after winning the election. He will be inaugurated on October 16, 2014.