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| Medemaku Abayomi Noah and Babatunde Hunpe |
The Lagos State Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Hameed Oyênuga, made a rare courtroom appearance on Tuesday July 8th 2025, during the hearing of a contentious election suit filed by Medemaku Abayomi Noah, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidate for Badagry Local Government.
The case, which challenges the legitimacy of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, has raised critical constitutional questions ahead of the upcoming local government elections.
The suit, marked BD/9439GM/25, was heard at the Badagry Judicial Division of the Lagos State High Court before Hon. Justice Emmanuel O. Ogundare.
Medemaku, the claimant, is contesting that APC has conducted primary election, for non-existent "Badagry Central Local Government" which can not be used to feed candidate for the constitutionally recognized Badagry Local Government. He further alleges that Hunpe, the APC’s candidate, was improperly nominated since no primary was held for the correct jurisdiction.
All defendants, including the Lagos State Government, Attorney-General, Lagos State House of Assembly, Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), APC, were represented except Hunpe, who has allegedly been evading service. Noah’s legal team informed the court of their intention to seek substituted service via phone and WhatsApp, given Hunpe’s repeated refusal to accept court documents personally.
The case took a significant turn when Solicitor-General Hameed Oyênuga appeared in person, a move described by Noah’s legal team as unprecedented. Speaking to the press after the hearing, Medemaku emphasized the gravity of the case, stating, "For the Solicitor-General to appear on short notice shows how high the stakes are. I’ve handled cases against the government for over 10 years, and I’ve never seen him in court this is a clear indication that this matter cannot be swept under the carpet."
Medemaku’s legal team filed a Motion Ex-Parte under Order 9, Rule 5 of the Lagos State High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019, seeking the court’s permission to serve Hunpe electronically.
An affidavit in support revealed multiple failed attempts to serve Hunpe at his residence, where he allegedly instructed his security to receive the documents a request Noah’s lawyers rejected, insisting on personal service for originating processes.
Justice Ogundare adjourned the case to September 30, 2025, leaving the political landscape in suspense.
Medemaku, however, urged Badagry residents to remain calm, stating, "We are not stopping the election, but we have raised valid constitutional questions. Once the court rules, the right thing will be done." He also called on supporters to vote for the PDP in the July 12 polls, declaring himself the best candidate for the chairmanship position.