The Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan has urged the contending parties in the ongoing dispute involving Accord and governorship aspirant, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, to resolve their differences over the party’s legal representation amicably.
The matter came up before the court on Monday, September 14, 2026, following the suit instituted by stakeholders of the party in connection with the disputed political developments within Accord.
During the proceedings, the court raised concerns over the presence of two different lawyers purporting to represent Accord in the same matter.
When the lawyers in court were asked to introduce themselves and clarify the basis of their appearance, it emerged that Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat had instructed another lawyer to appear on behalf of Accord, despite the fact that the party already had a duly recognised legal representation.
The issue generated considerable attention during the proceedings, particularly over who had the authority to engage a lawyer to represent the party in the matter.
After listening to the parties, the presiding judge advised them to return to the negotiating table and resolve the disagreement amicably.
Meanwhile, Mogaji Igbinsola Sunday Paul, in a rejoinder filed in the matter, challenged the eligibility of Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat to contest elective positions under the Accord platform, from the ward to the state level. According to him, Hamzat had not been granted the required waiver by the state and zonal structures of the party.
Mogaji Igbinsola further contended that Hamzat’s membership of Accord, which he said became effective in January 2026, did not satisfy the party’s stipulated 18-month membership requirement for eligibility to contest elective office. He stated that he was prepared to challenge the issue of Hamzat’s eligibility and membership up to the Supreme Court, if necessary.
The court consequently adjourned the matter to Wednesday, September 30, 2026, for hearing, with the expectation that the parties would have resolved the issue and presented a clear and unified legal representation for Accord.
Those present in court included the National Secretary of Accord, Hon. Adebukola Abiola Ajaja; Southwest Zonal Leader, Mogaji Igbinsola Sunday Paul; Oyo State Chairman, Prince Felix Kolade Ojo; State Secretary, Hon. Yinka Dairo; and State Treasurer, Hon. Nurudeen Okunola.
Various aspirants, party members and other stakeholders were also in attendance to witness the proceedings.
The party stakeholders who brought the matter before the court reiterated their commitment to due process, internal party democracy and the rule of law as the legal process continues.
The case will come up again on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, for hearing.
