Court clears AA chair, Udeze, of perjury, forgery charges

A Chief Magistrate court sitting in Osogbo has discharged and acquitted the chairman of the opposition Action Alliance (AA), Chief Kenneth Udeze, of charges of conspiracy, perjury, and forgery.

The case, which attracted widespread media attention, stemmed from the 2018 governorship primaries of the AA in Osun State and was
allegedly considered an attempt by Adekunle Omoaje to hijack the party through the courts.

The matter was also seen as politically motivated, aimed at undermining the integrity of the party.
Senior Magistrate Adebola Odeleye of the Osogbo Magisterial District dismissed the charges, recognising the lack of credible evidence and the frivolous nature of the allegations.

The prosecution of the case, instigated by Hon. Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, ultimately failed to prove the charges of conspiracy, perjury, and forgery against Udeze and his co-defendants, Ogunmodede Adeloye Oluwagbemi and Vernimbe James.
Chief Udeze, represented by the legal practitioner, Chief K.E. Ngwoke, maintained his innocence throughout the trial.
The defence’s legal team, led by Chief K.E. Ngwoke, successfully argued that the charges were not only baseless but also lacking in merit.
Throughout the proceedings, it was demonstrated that the prosecution’s case was built on a shaky foundation, lacking credible evidence.
The court’s decision affirms the integrity of Udeze and the Action Alliance, upholding justice and due process.
Udeze expressed gratitude to all supporters who stood firm during this challenging time.
The judgment represents a decisive rejection of attempts to manipulate the judicial system for political gain, marking a significant victory for democracy and the rule of la