FASHINA SHAKIRU
A Federal High Court in Lagos, on Tuesday, nullified the petitions of NAPPS’s former president, Yomi Otubela, & Co, along with all actions taken against the association, and upheld the status quo as of 23rd February, 2024.
The court made this pronouncement while delivering judgement in an action filed by Yomi Otubela against the Lagos NAPSS, and incorporated trustees of National Association of Proprietors of private schools in suit FHC/LOS/279/2024
The presiding judge, Justice Daniel E. Osiagor, said “I hereby order that every step taken by the parties is hereby nullified and mandates an immediate reversal of changes made at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), decisions, and alterations by the Board of Trustees (BOTs)”.
The court also ordered the implementation of the 2017 constitution, not in recognition of the 2023 constitution as imposed by Otubela. The court also ruled against implementing of 2023 NAPPS Constitution, unlawful sealing NAPPS Lagos Secretariat, unfreezing of NAPPS Lagos State accounts and stopped imposition of executive leaders over the duly elected NAPPS Lagos State officials.
The judge stated that Otubela’s actions were illegal and constitute contempt of court, for which he can be jailed. He urged his counsel to educate him on the implementation of such illegal actions, including the placement of restriction orders on accounts by his selected BOT, illegal Police harassment, cyberbullying, and the unlawful nomination of officers in different states.
Having been satisfied that the respondents are aware of the court order, the court, in the exercise of its powers, set aside an action to prevent anyone from flouting the orders of the court and going scot-free with it.
Reacting to the court’s decision, Lagos NAPSS president, High Chief Alaka Yusuf, executive members, and Board of Trustees (BOT) hailed the judgement and reinforced the supremacy of the rule of law and uphold the democratic structures of NAPPS Lagos State.
Alaka assured of commitment to upholding the rule of law and fostering unity within the association, adding that NAPPS remains the only legitimate body recognised by law with a Board of Trustees (BOT) and National Executive Council (NEC).
It will be recalled that Yomi Otubela is employing certain elements to challenge Chief Yusuf Alaka, alongside the association, in a legal battle over alleged tenure elongation and the rightful presidency of NAPPS in the Lagos State chapter.