Justice Michael Awe of an Osun state high court sitting in Osogbo, has told the state government to ensure its representative appears in court on November 1 over the Obaship tussle in Igbajo.
The kingmakers had approached the court to challenge the state government’s nullification of Oba Adegboyega Famodun’s installation as the 20th Owa of Igbajo land.
At the resume hearing Monday, the judge expressed concerns over the absence of the five defence counsels, including those representing Oba Ademola Makinde, who was installed after the removal of Famodun, the Osun state government, Boluwaduro local government area and the warrant chiefs.
Counsel to the plaintiffs, Dr. Saka Layoonu, SAN, described the absence of the defence counsels as a disregard of the court and an attempt to delay proceedings. He alleged that this has been their style since the case started last year.
Addressing the court, Layoonu, SAN, said it is disheartening that none of the five lawyers appeared in court in utter disregard to the court and a subtle bid to buy time through unnecessary adjournments.
He said he was supposed to be in Abuja to attend the confirmation of the newly appointed Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) but had to force himself to be physically present in Osogbo because of the importance he attached to the case.
