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Tope Temokun, a vocal lawyer and human rights activist, has urged the Chief Judge of Ondo State to facilitate a swift hearing by transferring a case he initiated to the vacation court, citing the need for urgent attention.
Temokun reasoned that his request was prompted by the filing of the suit on July 29, 2024, which aims to secure a court order mandating the conduct of local government elections in Ondo State, a matter of great public interest.
Akure High Court 7 has slated the matter, identified by suit number AK/315/2024, for mention on October 17, 2024, as the case progresses through the court system.
However, Temokun stressed that given the pressing nature of the suit, waiting until October 17 for the scheduled hearing would be too little, too late, and urged the court to expedite the process.
To address the pressing nature of the suit, Temokun requested that the matter be transferred to the vacation court for an expedited hearing, ensuring timely judicial intervention.
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The letter written to the Chief Judge of Ondo State reads inter alia: ‘I respectfully write to your Lordship regarding the above-referenced suit, which I filed on the 29th of July, 2024.
The processes filed include: Originating Summons;
Motion Ex-parte for Accelerated Hearing and for the matter to be heard by the vacation court;
Affidavit of Urgency.
‘The matter, which has been assigned to High Court 7 is currently slated for the 17th of October, 2024. One implication of this is the denial of hearing of the Ex-parte motion in Suit No: AK/315/2024 – Tope Temokun v. Ondo State Government & Ors, which seeks this matter to be heard by the vacation court.
‘If the October date stands, then the motion would have become otiose in October and the essence of this case, which is accompanied with affidavit of urgency and which seeks to affirm the integrity of the judiciary and supremacy of the constitution over political manipulation and in which time is of essence, by calling on the government to comply with the Supreme Court judgment and carry out a duty imposed, would have been defeated.
‘I believe that the scheduling of this matter for October 2024 significantly undermines the urgency and importance of the issues at stake, considering the fact that the Ondo State Governorship election has been slated for November 2024.
‘This case addresses critical constitutional questions that, if delayed, may result in perpetuating an unconstitutional situation, rendering the matter academic by the time it is eventually heard. I believe it is in the interest of justice and rule of law that this case be heard and determined expeditiously.
‘Given these circumstances, I respectfully request the urgent transfer of the Ex-parte motion in Suit No: AK/315/2024 – Temokun v. Ondo State Government &Ors– currently pending before High Court 7, to the vacation judge for immediate hearing.
‘The accelerated resolution of this case is, most importantly, vital for upholding the integrity of our Courts, particularly the Supreme Court.
‘I trust in your Lordship’s wisdom and fairness and remain hopeful that my request will be favorably considered.’
Following the Supreme Court’s decision to grant financial autonomy to local governments, Temokun filed a suit to mandate the Ondo State government and electoral commission to hold elections without delay for all elective positions in the state’s 18 local government areas, ensuring compliance with the court’s ruling.
