By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo
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The lingering crisis rocking Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took another dimension, as the faction of former governorship aspirant, Prince Dotun Babayemi urged the court to nullify the ward and local government congresses conducted by the leadership of the party.
The faction of Babayemi led by Chief Segun Odekunmi alongside with others were reportedly suspended by the party in September 2022 over alleged anti-party activities .
Babayemi’s faction was not satisfied with the decision went to the court to challenged the suspension in December 2022.
While the matter was being heard in court, the party leadership put up a notice for ward, local government and state congresses of the party.
Consequently, the faction filed a motion exparte against the party not to hold the congresses pending the determination of the suit filed before it.
The Osun State High Court presided over by Justice Ayo Oyebiyi restrained PDP Caretaker Chairman, Dr Adekunle Akindele and others from conducting congresses in 118 wards, local government areas and the state.
Despite the restriction order by court, the party went ahead to conduct ward congress in 118 wards and 30 local government areas of the state.
Counsel to Babayemi’s faction, Kehinde Adesiyan during the proceeding argued the motion filed before the court
He prayed the Court to nullify the congresses and declare it as flagrant disobedience to court order.
He stated that the faction could not participate in the congresses because they were unable to purchase forms from the party’s offices in their respective wards and local governments
The counsel to PDP, Hashim Abioye argued that the court lacks jurisdiction to entertain the motion because it is strictly party affairs noting that, “congresses of a political party to elect its executive members provided for in section 223 (1) of the 1999 constitution which stated that a registered political parties must hold periodic election on a democratic basis of the principal officers and executive committee of that political party at intervals not exceeding four years.”
Justice Oyebiyi thereafter adjourned the matter tomorrow for ruling on the motion.
