ABEOKUTA, Nigeria — The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abeokuta witnessed confusion on Friday, July 7, 2023, as two of the three witnesses called by the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, opted to use cutlasses for oath-taking.
The witnesses, Adeeso Abiodun and Akinyemi Oluwanifemi, shocked many in the courtroom with their unconventional choice for oath-taking.
Meanwhile, the third witness, who is the biological son of the PDP senatorial women leader in the State, caused further stir.
In a baffling coincidence, all three witnesses gave identical statements, word for word, during their testimonies, leading to rising tensions among the tribunal attendees.
The trio hailed from Sagamu, in the East Senatorial District of the State.
Initially, debates flared as various attendees and legal counsels expressed their reservations about the choice of oath-taking objects.
The counsels to the respondents demanded that the witnesses must invoke the spirit behind the object, known as Ogun – the Yoruba god of iron, to properly say the oath.
The tribunal, after much deliberation, allowed the witnesses to proceed with taking their oath using cutlasses.
Legal expert Adebayo Olawale commented, “While the law allows for different objects to be used in oath-taking based on religious or traditional beliefs, it is highly unusual for cutlasses to be used. This incident has brought attention to the broader conversation on the diversity and cultural aspects of the legal process.”
Observers noted that the incident raised questions not only about the choice of oath-taking objects but also about the integrity and credibility of the witnesses, given the identical nature of their statements.
As the tribunal resumes its normal proceedings, this incident is likely to spark discussions about cultural diversity, legal procedures, and the need for transparency and integrity in the justice system.
