Consequently, the Appellate Court directed that Engr. Aregbesola and his Deputy be sworn in immediately having certified the provisions of Section 179 (2) (a) and (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 and Section 147 (2) of the Electoral Act. In addition, the court directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue Aregbesola with a Certificate of Return while the one hitherto issued Prince Oyinlola should be withdrawn and cancelled forthwith.
The five member Appeal Tribunal presided over by Justice Clara Bata Ogunbiyi also dismissed the cross appeal filed by Prince Oyinlola in the matter. Other justices of the Appeal court are Hon. Justice M. L. Garba, Hon. Justice P. A. Galinge, Hon. Justice C. C. Nweje and Hon. Justice A. Jauro who all concurred to the judgment.
Delivering the unanimous judgment which lasted over four hours, Justice Ogunbiyi concluded that the Engr. Aregbesola was the lawful winner of the Osun governorship poll as the declaration of Prince Oyinlola by the INEC was voided on the basis of the irregularities that accompanied the election in ten local government council areas of the state.
