Tension Mounts, As Oyo Tribunal Is Set To Deliver Judgement

By Seyi Gesinde - 15.03.2008

An end may be insight in the on going tribunal case involving the Oyo State Governor, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the petitioner, Sen. Isiaka Ajimobi of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).

As gathered by Saturday Tribune, the ruling over the case, which was earlier postponed indefinitely after the final hearing from counsel of both Alao-Akala and Ajimobi, has been fixed for Monday unannounced.

Tension is already mounting in the state as all interests who have waited patiently are looking forward to the judgment after a prolonged hearing and delay.

Ajimobi had taken Alao-Akala to the tribunal, challenging his victory in the April 14, 2007 governorship election in Oyo State.

According to a reliable source, the tribunal decided to delay the fixing of a date for judgment over the case to diffuse tension of diverse interests that had kept vigil over the matter.

As things now stand, the citizens of the state may be in for a shocker as from all indications, the judgment seems unpredictable.

But one thing that is certain. From all indications, after eight months of legal battle challenging the perceived electoral fraud of April 14, 2007, which saw Alao-Akala emerge victorious at the gubernatorial polls in Oyo State judgement, the end is near.

Apart from Ajimobi, at least, four other governorship candidates from different political parties are currently asking the election tribunal to nullify the election of Alao-Akala.