The Osun State Government has filed an application with the Federal High Court in Lagos, seeking to set aside an ex-parte order that froze its account. According to the state's Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, the order was obtained through deceit and concealment of material facts by Gamji Nigeria Company Limited. The application was filed on October 2, 2026.
Alimi stated that the order was a product of deceit and substantial non-disclosure of material facts to the court. He also claimed that the arbitration award, which the order sought to enforce, was fraught with irregularities. The state government's legal team is challenging the award in the Lagos State High Court. Alimi noted that the purported award referenced in the ex-parte order of September 9, 2026, does not exist.
The contract dispute between Osun State Government and Gamji Nigeria Company Limited dates back to 2017, under the administration of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola. The dispute centred on whether the state government was indebted to Gamji to the tune of $15,982,638.22. The matter proceeded to arbitration, which the state government alleged was deliberately mismanaged and handled to favour Gamji.
The state government claims it was denied a fair hearing and full participation in the arbitration process. Alimi stated that the irregularities in the arbitration proceedings and the Final Arbitral Award have been submitted to the High Court in Lagos State. The state government's legal team filed a suit seeking to set aside the arbitral award on September 1, 2026.
Despite being aware of the suit, Gamji approached the Federal High Court to enforce the award, obtaining an ex-parte order to freeze the state's account. Alimi expressed the state's disappointment and chagrin at Gamji's actions. The state government had filed a motion on notice to suspend the execution of the award until the suit is heard and determined.
The Osun State Government is seeking to have the ex-parte order set aside, citing the deceitful manner in which it was obtained. The state government is also challenging the arbitration award, which it claims was obtained through irregularities. The case is ongoing, with the state government seeking a fair hearing and resolution.
The dispute between Osun State Government and Gamji Nigeria Company Limited highlights the complexities of contract disputes and arbitration proceedings in Nigeria. The case has significant implications for the state's finances and its relations with private companies. The court's decision on the matter is awaited.
Key points
- Osun State Government seeks to set aside ex-parte order freezing its account, citing deceit and concealment of facts.
- The arbitration award, which the order sought to enforce, is fraught with irregularities and is being challenged in the Lagos State High Court.
- The dispute between Osun State Government and Gamji Nigeria Company Limited dates back to 2017 and centres on a contract dispute worth $15,982,638.22.
