Lawyers, Judge Run for Dear Life as Thugs storm Court in Ekiti

There was confusion on the premises of the Ekiti State High Court on Monday as hoodlums invaded the place to disrupt proceedings in a case challenging the eligibility of Governor-elect, Ayodele Fayose, to contest the June 21 governorship election.

The invasion took place shortly after the judge, Justice Olusegun Ogunyemi, refused an application to set aside an order abridging the time for Fayose to file his defence in the case filed on behalf of socio-political group, Ekiti-11 (E-Eleven) by one of its member, Mr. Femi Ajakaiye.

The judge had adjourned sitting till 12 noon to prepare a ruling in a similar matter filed by the Citizen Popular Party before trouble started.

As he was preparing to return for the continuation of the matter, angry youths besieged the court. The judge was smuggled out of the chambers through the back door to avoid being lynched by the aggressors.

Judges, lawyers and others in court, including journalists, ran for their lives as the protesters went berserk and went after perceived opponents. It could not be confirmed if the police made any arrest.

Commenting, the Interim Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Jide Awe, said:

“We are back to the Idi Amin era in Ekiti where judges and lawyers are attacked in court. This is terrible. But the APC has no case in the court and we were not there to witness the attack.”

Also commenting, the PDP Publicity Secretary, Kola Oluwawole, urged Justice Ogunyemi to steer clear of the case alleging that he had connived with the ruling APC.

Accusing the judge of bias, Oluwawole said, “The judge openly demonstrated in his ruling that he has jurisdiction on the matter and simultaneously commenced hearing of the matter without giving the respondent the opportunity to signify an appeal.”

My dear Ekiti State leaders, get matured and learn to handle your issues without resorting to thuggery.