The Chairman of All Progressives Congress in Ado Ekiti local government area of Ekiti State, Hon. Michael Akinleye, an aspirant to the office of Deputy National Chairman (South) of the All Progressives Congress(APC) has today, write the National Working Committee (NWC) of APC, insisting that there is a pending suit before the Federal High Court, Ado Ekiti in Suit No. FHC/AD/CS/8/2020 against the NWC, Senator Abiola Ajimobi and others where he prayed the Court that the position be filled by him.
This is contained in a letter dated 17th June, 2020 which was written on behalf of Mr. Akinyele by his Solicitor, Mr. Babatunde Oke of Octodas Attorneys and made available to TheNigeriaLawyer.
Meanwhile, it was noted in the letter that Mr. Akinyele had earlier on instituted the suit on 12th day of February, 2020 as regards the said position and therefore, urging the parties to maintain status quo in view of the Court action.
“It is on record that all the processes filed in the Suit have been served on all the parties which serves as notice to maintain status quo pending the determination of the Suit.” It read.
Furthermore, the letter noted that as at when the action was instituted, Senator Abiola Ajimobi has not been recognized by the NWC but surprisingly, their attention was drawn to several newspaper headlines announcing him as the Deputy National Chairman (South) of the party.
Besides, it was noted that they had earlier on notified the Court on 23rd day of March, 2020 about the NWC development making Senator Ajimobi the Deputy National Chairman in which the Counsel representing Sen. Ajimobi, Chief Anthony Adeniyi vehemently denied the assertion.
“The Honourable Court warned all the parties to desist from changing status quo as at the time the Suit was instituted and ordered parties to maintain status quo pending the determination of the Suit.” It was further added.
In addition, it was further stated that their attention had been drawn to the recent statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the APC recognizing Senator Ajimobi as the Acting National Chairman of the party, since he was ‘purportedly’ the Deputy Chairman, in the face of the Court of Appeal order suspending Comrade Adams Oshiomhole as the National Chairman. Therefore, stating that this is contrary to the order of the Court.
According to the letter:
“It is our position that Sen. Abiola Ajimobi is not the recognized and substantive Deputy National Chairman (South) as confirmed by his counsel during the court proceedings on 23rd May, 2020 and he is not qualified to assume the position of the National Acting Chairman of the party
“It is the position of the Honourable Court that parties in the Suit should maintain status quo ante bellum pending the determination of the Suit, it is therefore an affront to the Honourable Court raising the status of Sen. Abiola Ajimobi from an ordinary member of the party to the Deputy National Chairman and move to the Acting National Chairman pending the determination of the Suit against him and the party (APC)”
Also, they appealed to the NWC to desist from recognizing Sen. Ajimobi in the aforesaid positions as it amounts to contempt of Court.
“Be it noted that if the party continues to recognize Sen. Abiola Ajimobi as the Deputy National Chairman it Acting National Chairman, we will not hesitate to bring a contempt action against the party.” It was added.
Finally, the letter advised that the APC complies with the directive of the Court to maintain status quo or risk all its actions nullified without much ado.
