TRIBUNAL:OYINLOLA CLOSES DEFENCE, INEC OPENS TODAY

After calling 28 witnesses in five days, Osun state governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and the Peoples Democratic Party closed their case before the election petition tribunal in Osogbo on Monday.

Addressing the tribunal after the 28th witness was cross examined by counsel to the Action Congress, Mr Kola Awodein, SAN, Governor Oyinlolaʼs lead counsel, Kunle Kalejaye, SAN applied to close the case of his clients.

Governor Oyinlola opened his defence last week Monday and made five appearances during which the 28 witnesses were called.

While the defence lasted, all the witnesses gave evidence that election was held peacefully in their polling units and denied that they were involved in the disruption of polls.

Among those accused of electoral violence by the Action Congress candidate, Rauf Aregbesola, in his petition were veteran broadcaster, Dr Yemi Farounbi, a medical specialist, Dr Kola Akinroye, Governor Oyinlolaʼs 68 year old primary school teacher, Pa Funso Adedoyin and 68 year old Pa Deinde Alalade. They all denied the allegation describing it as untrue and malicious.

Pa Alalade, who was the last to give evidence on Monday threw the court hall into laughter as he wondered how someone could accuse him of leading thugs at his advanced age.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will open its defence today, Tuesday after which the police are expected to call its own too.

Speaking with newsmen after the court sitting, the Governorʼs lawyer, Chief Kalejaye noted that what took Aregbesola almost eight months to do had been completed within five days by his client