By Julius Alabi, Akure
The Ondo State High Court sitting in Akure on Wednesday granted leave to Applicants in a suit seeking an Order of Mandamus compelling the Ondo State House of Assembly and the Speaker, to Constitute a medical panel to assess Governor Akeredolu’s health status.
The suit, brought before the Court by Olufemi Lawson, Isijola Kike, Ologun Ayodeji and Arogbo Olaniyi, underscores the paramount importance of upholding public trust and ensuring transparency by elected officials. The call for a medical panel seeks to provide clarity on Governor Akeredolu’s health, having been away from the State, for nearly six months.
The Applicant filed an exparte motion before the Honorable court on the 25th of October, 2023.
The motion was brought pursuant to section 6(6b) of the 1999 constitution as amended as wells as order 22 rule 1 of the Ondo State High Court Rules.
The Applicant Prayed for an order of mandamus against the first and second respondents to compel them to carry out statutory and constitutional duties on the 3rd respondent as stipulated under section 189(4) as amended of the 1999 constitution.
The grounds were predicated on 11 grounds and In line with the rules of court, the applicant statement of claim and a 30 Paragraph affidavit. Attached to the affidavit is one exhibit marked exhibit A, which is a letter written to the second respondent by the applicant through their counsel. Applicant In line with the rules of court, relied heavily on all that is contained in the written address.
Upon submission of the Legal Team to the Applicant led by Dotun Ajulo, Fadeshola Ojamomi, A.V Àjàyí and K.A Mogbojuri, the court ruled thereof;
Justice A. I Kolawole in his ruling, stated that the hurdles and lacuna associated with Public Interest litigation has since been set aside in the case of Adetona V Federal Republic of Nigeria and Inakoju v Adeleke.
The Court therefore granted leave for mandamus to compel first and second respondent to carry out their constitutional duties pursuant to section 189(4) CFRN, 1999 as amended.
Matter was therefore Adjourned to 11th January, 2024.