Ibadan High Chiefs Vs Oyo Gov: Chief Judge adjourn lawsuit, frown at lawyers

THE Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Munta Abimbola, on Friday, adjourned until February 1, 2022, the case instituted by the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senator Lekan Balogun and seven others over the revocation of their elevation to obas. 

He also ordered parties in the suit to file further written addresses to narrow down their arguments. 

The suit is contesting the validity of a consent judgment given by a state high court on November 19, 2019 in suit: M/317/2017, as part of efforts to resolve the crisis that trailed the elevation of the high chiefs. 

Although the case was originally scheduled for judgment on Friday, Justice Abimbola stated that there were some ambiguities in the many processes filed in the suit delineated I/22/2020.

According to the judge, this necessitated further clarifications in terms of address. 

Justice Abimbola explained that the claims and counter claims filed by parties in the matter were about 3,446 pages since November 1, 2021 when the case came before the court for determination on the validity of the consent judgment. 

He cautioned all counsels to ensure their addresses stayed within the ambit of the law and not deviate from laid down principles and points of law. 

He frowned at the situation whereby lawyers now do analysis on the facts of a case before the court in public places, saying that it is not good that letters written by lawyers on matters that are pending before courts are flying about on social media. 

He urged counsels to desist from such act, stating that as ministers in the court of justice, they are to calm nerves and not add to festering situations. 

He emphasised the need to stop talking about issues before the court and desecrating the hallowed temple of the judiciary.