by Kolapo Olapoju

Justice Olusegun Ogunyemi,- who is presiding over the case filed against Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, – has withdrawn from the suit.

Ogunyemi reportedly cited an apparent threat to his life as the factor which led to his withdrawal from the case.

According to reports, he has since handed over the case file to the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Ayodeji Daramola.

An Ekiti-based pro-democracy group, the E-11, had gone to the court to challenge Mr. Fayose’s eligibility to contest the gubernatorial election which he won against the then incumbent, Kayode Fayemi, of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The case was filed before Fayose was sworn-in as governor, after which the Peoples Democratic Party had petitioned the chief judge of the state, arguing that the Judge may show bias in the case.

As the case commenced sitting in September, thugs believed to be backed by PDP, had disrupted the court session during which Ogunyemi was adjudicating the suit.

As a result of the withdrawal of Ogunyemi from the case, judges in Ekiti state are reportedly hesitant to take over the case, also fearing for their lives, and also because of the sensitivity of the case.