Oyebanji hails A’Court ruling on Ekiti guber, woos Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has hailed the Court of Appeal ruling, which reaffirmed his election as governor, describing it as victory for democracy and Ekiti people.

The appellate court sitting in Ado Ekiti, yesterday, affirmed the judgment of the lower court, which validated the victory of Oyebanji of All Progressives Congress (APC) at the June 18 governorship election in the state.

Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Chief Segun Oni, dissatisfied with the ruling of a lower court, had approached the appellate court for review of the case.

In a virtual judgment, Justice Hamma Barka said Oni failed to prove his case beyond reasonable doubts.

He held that the respondents –Oyebanji and his running mate, Monisade Afuye – were duly elected as the governor and deputy governor.

The judge added: “Governor Oyebanji was lawfully nominated as APC candidate and emerged winner of the election conducted under a peaceful atmosphere.”

However, Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Mr. Yinka Oyebode, ascribed his victory to the glory of God and joy of Ekiti people, whose mandate was reconfirmed by the appellate court.

He described the latest ruling as a landmark judgment and thanked the judiciary for living up to its reputation as the bastion of democracy and last hope of the common man.

Restating his respect for Oni, the governor urged his supporters to celebrate in moderation and avoid any form of name-calling or hostility against members of the opposition party. He pointed out that Oni had the right to seek judicial intervention in the matter.

He urged Oni to join him for the progress of Ekiti.