Babayemi-Adeleke Suit: Security Operatives In A ‘Show Of Strength’

Ahead of today’s Supreme Court judgement on the matter instituted by Mr Dotun Babayemi, against the candidature of Osun governor-elect, Senator Ademola Adeleke, security operatives on Thursday engaged in a ‘show of strength’ across Osogbo, Osun state capital.

ABN TV reports that Adeleke, on Wednesday, expressed optimism of a favourable judgement as Supreme Court rules on the suit instituted against his candidature as the PDP flagbearer in the Osun July 16 governorship poll.

The Apex Court is expected on Thursday to rule on the case filed against Adeleke by a governorship aspirant on the platform of the PDP, Prince Dotun Babayemi, who had asked the court to invalidate primaries that produced Osun governor-elect, citing non-compliance with court order.

In his judgement on the matter on May 18, Justice Nathaniel Ayo-Emmanuel of a Federal High Court, sitting in Osogbo, had upheld the governorship primary that produced Adeleke.

Also, the Court of Appeal, Akure Division, in its judgement of July 20 on the appeal filed against the decision of the Federal High Court, Osogbo, aligned with the lower court and dismissed Babayemi’s appeal.

But as early as 8:am on Thursday, a combined security team that have soldiers, police and Department of State Services operatives, as well as men and officers of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, were seen moving through major streets in Osogbo in what could be regarded as ‘show of strength.’

The patrol team having over 20 trucks filled with armed security personnel were seen around Dada Estate, Olaiya, Old Garage Ayetoro and Ilesa Garage -all located within Osogbo metropolis.

Speaking with reporters, Osun police command public relations officer, Yemisi Opalola, said the patrol was to prevent the breakdown of law and order.

She said, “We are aware that the Supreme Court will rule on the case involving Mr. Babayemi and Osun governor-elect, Senator Adeleke today.

“The show of strength that you observed is to send signal to anyone planning to cause chaos that we are on the ground to prevent the breakdown of law and order. People should go about their normal duty. No cause for alarm.”