By Bamidele Kolawole
The trial of Prince Babalola Babatunde, one of the contestants for the royal stool of Araromi-Ekiti in Ijero Local Government Area of Ekiti State, has been adjourned to September 17, 2024.
This development follows the transfer of Justice Alexander Owoeye and the commencement of the court’s vacation period.
Prince Babalola is facing charges of certificate forgery, a case that has drawn significant attention within the Ekiti State community. The proceedings, which were scheduled to continue on Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Akure, were halted due to these administrative changes.
However, the defendant’s counsel, Olumide Ogidan, brought another application to the court for adoption. But Justice Alexander Owoeye told the court that he could not attend to any application due to the transfer and court vacation.
The complainant’s counsel, Itunu Osobu, did not oppose the adjournment, acknowledging the procedural necessity brought about by these changes. He explained that the transfer of Justice Alexander Owoeye and the impending court vacation necessitated a postponement.
Justice Alexander Owoeye, who has overseen the case to this point, is being reassigned, leading to the decision to delay further hearings. The new date, set for September 17, 2024, will allow for the appointment of a new judge and the resumption of the trial with minimal disruption.
The charges against Prince Babalola include allegations of forging certificates from the University of Ibadan and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), as well as an NYSC discharge certificate, which were purportedly used for employment at the University Teaching Hospital.