Lawyers Sue Aregbesola, Chief Registrar Over Increment on Suit Filing

By Fisayo Oyeyinka

Lawyers in Osun State, under the aegis of Nigeria Bar Association, Ilesa branch have approached court to stop the controversial increment on the suit filing in the state courts.

The lawyers sued Osun State government, Governor Rauf Aregbesola and the Chief Registrar of the Court, Mr Lawrence Arojo, praying the court for injunctions on the increment and continuation of the old suit filing regime.

Aregbesola and Chief Judge of Osun State, Justice Adepele Ojo

The case was filed on March 02 at the Federal High Court, Osogbo being presided over by Justice Maureen Adaobi-Onyeten.

When the case came up today – Tuesday, counsel to the NBA, Mr Yinka Sokoya told to the court that the plaintiff filed an application seeking to maintain status quo on the old filing regime and suspend the new one as directed by the state government has been filed.

Sokoya said: “A circular was passed to us dated 24th of February 2017, signed by one Taiwo Jacob of High court of Osun-State which is part of the respondent.

“We have filed our motion and affidavit on 2nd March 2017 for maintenance of status quo and suspension of all action of proceedings and implementation of a circular dated 24th of February, 2017, pending the determination of the court”.

Sokoya prayed the court for a stand down of the circular.

Justice Maureen during the proceeding denied the request of the plaintiff and requested that the new filing fees circular be given to the court, for perusal.

Addressing journalists after the sitting, the NBA chairman Ilesha Branch, Ebenezer Ogunfunminiyi said: “the battle between NBA and the state government is a battle of wit and we came here to so that the implementation of the circular that was been sent to us should not be implemented until court decides”

“ The circular been sent to us is so bad that if you have a claim of N200 and an application wanted to be filed before the court the person have to pay N2,500 which made the fees so outrageous”

“Also, part of the content of the circular is the matrimonial course acts and rules which are Federal enactment, the Governor or even the Chief Justice of Osun-State cannot make rules for Federal laws it is for the Chief Justice of Nigeria to makes courses for the matrimonial acts”

The case has been adjourned till tomorrow, 8th of March.