THE Oyo state governorship election petition tribunal yesterday reiterated that all motions and applications concerning the petitions challenging the election of Senaor Abiola Ajimobi at the April 11 governorship election must be heard and determined within the 180 days stipulated by the Electoral Act.

Ruling on an application filed by Senator Ladoja’s lead counsel Chief Richard Ogunwole, SAN filed to that effect, the tribunal’s chairman Justice Mohammed Aliu Mayaki, relying on appropriate legal, paved ways for quick and unhindered hearing of the petition filed by former Governor, Senator Rashidi Ladoja challenging the result of the last April governorship election in the state as it ruled that

 The respondents including that of Senator Abiola Ajimobi and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have argued against the application, relying on legal authorities too.

In his over two hours ruling on the application citing previous judgment by Appeal Court in several cases among which was that of Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun state against Senator Iyiola Omisore, however, the presiding judge ruled that election petitions were in the class of their own which must be handled within the stipulated time and with all issues and motions concerning the petitions be dispensed with once and for all.

"This application is granted as this will not jeopardize the respondents replies and other issues within the stipulated period of 180 days to dispense with the petition," he said.

Justice Mayaki  had earlier also ruled in favour of Senator Ladoja’s application which the respondents counsel initially faulted as not being properly addressed and signed by his lead counsel.

 ”The tribunal is convinced that whoever sees the application  will not doubt it that R.A Ogunwole  who appears for the petitioner has his name and address clearly and properly stated on the application .The address which reads R.A Ogunwole,  Bibilari near Idi-Ape, Ibadan and his office telephone numbers are clearly stated on the application,’’ he said.

Justice Mayaki , after the ruling counselled supporters of all parties in the petition to be of good conduct, vouching for the competence of all the counsel appearing for the parties to diligently handle the case.

All the counsel including that of INEC ,Mr. Adeboye  Shobanjo , in their various reactions after the ruling , lauded the industry put in the ruling by the tribunal chairman.

Ruling on the other application also brought by Senator Ladoja's counsel will be delivered this morning(Saturday).

It would be recalled  that  Senator Rashidi Ladoja had dragged Governor  Abiola Ajimobi, All Progressives Congress(APC), Oyo Resident Electoral Commissioner(REC),Dr. Toyin Akeju  and Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC )before the tribunal, challenging results of the last April Governorship election in the state.