OTUDEKO AFFIRMS RESPECT FOR THE JUDICIARY AND RULE OF LAW
Lagos, Nigeria: Chairman of Honeywell Group, Dr. Oba Otudeko CFR, has affirmed his respect for the judiciary, the rule of law and the judicial due process in Nigeria.
Otudeko stated this when he appeared this morning before Justice Idris of the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division to give evidence in the suit instituted by Honeywell against Ecobank (Suit No: FHC/L/CS/1219/2015).
Otudeko’s lawyer, Bode Olanipekun, had informed the court of the readiness of his client to appear on any date to provide evidence that will assist the court in determining the merits of evidence adduced by both parties when the Honeywell vs Ecobank matter (Suit No: FHC/L/CS/1219/2015) came up today (7th February) before Justice Idris of the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division.
Addressing the court, Otudeko said after his counsel, Bode Olanipekun, informed him of the invitation from the court, he had to cut short his trip to ensure he honoured the invitation. “This is a first time experience for me, but I am happy to be here as a mark of respect for the courts and my belief in the Judiciary.” Otudeko said.
But, it was observed that instead of opening its defence as expected, Ecobank failed to proceed with its defence. It was observed that instead of opening his case through examination in chief, Counsel to Ecobank, O.A. Divine attempted to overturn the court procedure by attempting to commence his defence by cross-examining Dr. Oba Otudeko.
Counsel to Honeywell, Bode Olanipekun, however raised an objection saying that Ecobank’s disregard for the procedures of the Federal High Court was wrong as a Witness Statement on oath sworn to by Dr. Otudeko was already before the court. This was simply supposed to have been adopted in commencing its defence.
Following the hearing of the arguments from both counsels, his Honour, Justice Idris adjourned the matter for ruling on Wednesday 14th February 2018
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