Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has praised the judiciary following a ruling by the Court of Appeal ordering a stay of proceedings in a suit seeking the deregistration of Accord and other political parties.
In a statement issued over the weekend, Adeleke described the judiciary as the “last hope of the oppressed” and commended the appellate court justices for what he called their professionalism and commitment to justice.
The governor said the ruling had thwarted alleged attempts by anti-democratic elements to disenfranchise Accord members ahead of the August 15 polls in Osun State.
“I am using this opportunity to commend the judiciary for protecting the sanctity and integrity of our democracy from deliberate abuse by anti-democratic elements,” Adeleke said.
“From 2018 till date, I have been a beneficiary of judicial interventions which protect my rights and privileges when faced with constant abuse and attacks on democratic rights. The judiciary is the last hope of the oppressed, the refuge for the weak.”
According to the governor, the Appeal Court’s decision reinforces public confidence in the democratic process and protects the constitutional rights of political stakeholders.
He urged Accord members and supporters to intensify mobilisation efforts ahead of the August election, expressing confidence that his administration would secure another mandate.
“We should now redouble our campaigns to secure an overwhelming victory on August 15. We must be bold, strong and resolute within the confines of the law to sustain and extend our mandate,” he stated.
Adeleke also vowed that his administration would resist any attempt to undermine the democratic process in the state.
The ruling followed the resumed hearing of Appeal No. CA/ABJ/CV/569/2026 between Accord and the Incorporated Trustees of National Forum of Former Legislators alongside six other respondents.
Counsel to the appellant, Musibau Adetunbi (SAN), informed the court of three pending applications, including a motion for stay of further proceedings, an application seeking departure from the rules, and another requesting leave to amend the notice of appeal.
In its bench ruling, the Court of Appeal held that the purpose of granting a stay of proceedings was to preserve the subject matter of the appeal and prevent the case from becoming ineffective if the appeal eventually succeeds.
The court said the appellant had provided sufficient grounds and affidavit evidence to justify the exercise of its discretion in favour of the application, particularly as there was no substantial opposition from the respondents.
The justices also referenced a related case, Appeal No. CA/ABJ/CV/444/2026 — Barrister Maxwell Mgbudem v. Accord , where a similar application for stay of proceedings had earlier been granted.
Following the ruling, the court adjourned the appeal hearing to October 27, 2026.
