13th of October, 2026

Where Do We Stand?

I am sure many of us did not anticipate another adjournment today. However, in the interest of justice, we must recognise that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.

The opposing party applied for an extension of time to bring key witnesses before the court, and the application was granted. In my view, I agree with the Honourable Justice’s decision to allow them that opportunity. It is better to afford every party a fair hearing than to rush proceedings and potentially create grounds for an appeal on the basis that the right to a fair hearing was breached.

As the saying goes, “Justice delayed is justice denied,” but equally, justice hurried at the expense of due process may itself occasion a miscarriage of justice. The court must strike a balance between avoiding unnecessary delay and ensuring that every party has a fair opportunity to present its case.

For now, we must await the witnesses they have undertaken to produce before the court. Let the evidence be presented, let the arguments be heard, and let the court determine the matter on its merits.

The matter has been adjourned until 5 November.

Until then, we remain watchful and hopeful that the next sitting will bring us closer to a just and final determination of the matter.

I thank you all.

Hon. Engr. Lukman Ayodeji Bello, Accord Party Candidate for Representative, Iwo Federal Constituency (Ayiwola)