Court Begins Hearing On Suit Seeking To Halt Oyo LG Elections

The court ordered the plaintiff, Akinloye Olusegun Oyeniyi, to serve the originating summons on the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), listed as the first and second defendants respectively.

Justice Egwuatu adjourned the matter until September 10, 2026, for a report on the service of the originating summons on the defendants.

Oyeniyi, a businessman and politician from Ogbomoso, is challenging the legality of certain provisions in OYSIEC’s revised timetable and schedule of activities for the local government elections.

In the suit filed through his counsel, Ayo Omoleaupen, the plaintiff is asking the court to determine whether OYSIEC’s constitutional powers extend beyond the verification of documents submitted by nominated candidates to the screening of chairmanship and councillorship candidates.

He is also challenging Items 6 and 9 of OYSIEC’s revised timetable issued on March 4, 2026, arguing that the provisions are inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act, 2026.

The plaintiff is seeking a declaration that OYSIEC’s constitutional responsibility is limited to the verification of documents of candidates nominated by political parties and does not include the screening of chairmanship, councillorship or substituted candidates.

He is further asking the court to restrain INEC from releasing the certified voters’ register for Oyo State to OYSIEC for use in the local government elections until the disputed provisions of the timetable are cancelled or amended.

Oyeniyi also wants the court to strike out or cancel Items 6 and 9 of the revised timetable on the grounds that they allegedly contravene the Constitution and Electoral Act.

In an affidavit filed in support of the originating summons, the plaintiff said allowing the elections to proceed under the disputed timetable would adversely affect his interests.

He argued that granting the reliefs would not cause injustice to the defendants but would help uphold the rule of law and strengthen democratic processes.

The plaintiff further maintained that the balance of convenience favoured his application and that any violation of his constitutional rights could not be adequately remedied through monetary compensation.

The suit is expected to return before Justice Egwuatu on September 10 for an update on the service of the court processes.