Atiba Chairmanship Race: Court Adjourns as Lawyer Withdraws from Afeez Basorun Case

*Atiba Chairmanship Race: Court Adjourns as Lawyer Withdraws from Afeez Basorun Case*

The State High Court of Justice in Aawe, Oyo township has granted an application by Olajide Olanipekun seeking to withdraw as counsel for the case involving Afeez Olanrewaju Basorun, who challenges the outcome of the Atiba People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidacy of Hon. Wahab Waliu Adetunji.

Afeez Olanrewaju Basorun, a Supervisory Councilor for Health in the Atiba local government, filed an application on December 19, 2023, contesting the candidacy of Wahab Waliu Adetunji. The case also involves the West African Examination Council (WAEC), Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as the third and fourth defendants, respectively, who were represented by legal practitioners in response to the claimant’s summons.

During the court session on Monday, the case file HOY/54/2023, Olajide Olanipekun, counsel for the claimant, announced his withdrawal. Olanipekun stated that he had filed an application on February 12th, apologizing to the defendant’s counsel and indicating his withdrawal, which was communicated to all the defendant’s lawyers.

The defendant’s lawyer confirmed receipt of the withdrawal notice and expressed no objection.

The claimant, Afeez Olanrewaju Basorun, affirmed receiving the official statement from his lawyer and assured the judges of promptly securing new legal representation.

Lord Justice Prof. E. A. Taiwo of the Awe High Court accepted the withdrawal of the claimant’s lawyer, Barrister Olajide Olanipekun, and urged Afeez Olanrewaju Basorun to find a new lawyer within two weeks for the proper continuation of the case. The court adjourned to Monday, February 26th, 2024.

Defendant counsels present in court included Barrister Adeniyi Farinto (SAN), Oluwasesan Dada, Lateef Raheem, Chiamaka Blessing Amazee, Gbadegesin Waheed, and Badrudeen Abdullahi, representing the second defendant (PDP).

Olakunle Faogun appeared for the third defendant, and Olasupo appeared for the fourth defendant.