Ondo 2020: Olanipekun, Six other SANs to defend Akeredolu at Tribunal

Reports says Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has assembled seven senior advocate of Nigeria (SANs) to defend his re-election at the Governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Akure, the Ondo State capital following the filing of a petition by the Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Eyitayo Jegede on Friday.

Jegede is challenging Akeredolu’s victory in the October 10 Governorship Election on four grounds.

It was gathered that the Governor who is a SAN had contacted some of his colleagues to defend him in court against Jegede who is also a SAN.

A top government official told our correspondent that the Governor had already reached out to these lawyers

Topping the list is Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN)

Others that have been contacted include, Niyi Akinola (SAN), Emeka Ngige (SAN), Akinlolu Olujimi (SAN), Olusola Oke (SAN), Remi Olatubora among others.

According to Thenewstrack, it has not been verified if these lawyers have agreed to defend Akeredolu

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Governor Akeredolu, as winner of the just concluded Ondo State Governorship election.

He defeated his main challenger and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Eyitayo Jegede, and his Deputy Governor and candidate of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Agboola Ajayi, to emerge winner.

The incumbent governor won 15 of the 18 Local Government Areas of the results declared by INEC, while his closest rival, Jegede, won in three local government areas and Ajayi failed to win none, including his LGA where he lost to his principal.

Akeredoku polled 292,830, as against Jegede who garnered 195,791.