The Amuwo-Odofin Political landscape has just experienced a major shift as news reaching Festaconline Media that the house of assembly member representing Amuwo Odofin constituency 1, Olukayode Doherty has been sacked by the Appeal Court.
The Labour Party’s candidate Olukayode Doherty who was duly sworn in to represent the constituency has now been replaced by the All Progressives Congress, Rauf Age-Suleiman by the Appeal Court.
Why Was He Sacked ?
The court upheld an earlier ruling by the Election Petition Tribunal, ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to present Sulaiman with the certificate of return as the winner of the election.
The court held that the Electoral Act 2022 does not allow a candidate to be declared winner if the candidate did not fully participate in the election process.
Olukayode Doherty took to his Instagram page to comment on the recent development, He said
“My gratitude to the constituents of Amuwo Odofin 2 would remain immeasurable for the time spent representing them at the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The long awaited judgment from the Court of Appeal was finally couriered into Lagos via Zoom. Yes, it was not in my favour but taking solace in God, who has charge over all situations.
I would not posit that the court had not delivered its judgment rightly but the circumstances leading to its conclusion is not different from other pre-electoral issues such as the judgment in Favour Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu a few days ago.
Unfortunately such a judicial gesture was not extended to me, Hon. Olukoya Doherty. I can only wish that our judicial system will rise up to the expectations of contemporary reality where judicial pronouncement will be delivered objectively and on merits rather than unwholesome judicial technicalities.
Once again, I am grateful to Hon Mudashiru Obasa, the distinguished three term Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly for the cordial and robust relationship enjoyed during my stay in the Lagos Parliament.”