Bode Ola, a presumed new entrant in the politics of Ekiti before the April 14 senatorial election in Ekiti State, has proved not to be a political neophyte after all.

According to those close to Ola,he contested the Ekiti Central senatorial race at the prodding of his people, who believed he would bring to bear his magic wand that he had applied to his private businesses. Subsequently, he was voted for in the election but the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared otherwise, and he disagreed.

Like civilised politicians in other climes, Ola chose to question INEC's action by going to court for a pronouncement on the election result. He was vindicated at last when on June 30, the court declared Ola the duly elected senator for Ekiti Central senatorial district.

In a unanimous decision the Court of Appeal, Ilorin Division upturned the election of Senator Adefemi Kila of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and declared Ola of the Action Congress (AC) duly elected. Justice Sotonye Denton-West, who delivered the judgement, averred that the decision was based on the incontrovertible evidence before the court.

He said: "After subtracting the valid votes from the invalid ones, the appellant has a majority of lawful votes. And based on these lawful majority votes, the appellant is so declared as the winner of the election."

The pronouncement of Denton-West reinforced the time-tested maxim that the court is the last hope of the common man. It was also a sweet victory for those who believe in the efficacy of the rule of law.

For Ola, "this judgement only proved that righteousness, justice and equity can still be upheld in our nation. It confirms that there is still hope in the judiciary for the common man. They have also demonstrated a strong and formidable character of integrity, honour and faith by refusing to sell their conscience for a pot of porridge, or to compromise with those who stole my mandate.

"I am very excited and greatly delighted that the whole process ended this way. God has vindicated me and this is a clear message to all that evil can never prevail over good," he further said.

However, many who aligned with Ola's victory at the Appeal court described it as a proof of the belief that the 2007 elections in Ekiti State were fraught with rigging. They also say it was a signal of many more revelations that would emanate from the various elections in that state.

They lauded the judiciary, insisting that the noble and fearless judgement must continue for the judiciary to assert its independence in matters of election disputes in the country.

Festus Keyamo, a Lagos-based activist lawyer, says the judgement only confirms that the judiciary is alive to its responsibilities.

"The judgement is a confirmation that the judiciary is still the last hope of the common man. It also shows the kind of rigging that took place at the last governorship election in Ekiti State," Keyamo stated.

Ola, a native of Ekiti State, served in the Foreign Service before dabbling in private business. He is also the owner of Friendly's Hotel, Ado-Ekiti, one of the most patronised hotels in Ekiti State.