A Federal High sitting in Abuja has sacked Omobayo Godwins as Edo State Deputy Governor.
Hon. Justice James Omotosho who gave the ruling ordered the reinstatement of Philip Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State.
Recall that Philip Shaibu was impeached by the State House of Assembly in April over misconduct, perjury and unauthorized disclosure of government secrets.
Governor Obaseki proceeded to appoint Omobayo Godwin as the new deputy governor, to complete his second tenure in office which will end on November 11, 2024.
However, the judge declared that Shaibu’s removal from office and the subsequent appointment of Omobayo Godwins as his replacement were illegal, unconstitutional, null, and void.
The Court found that the impeachment process violated the procedures outlined in Section 188(1) to (9) of the Nigerian Constitution.
Justice Omotosho emphasized that the ouster clause in Section 188(10), which limits judicial jurisdiction, is not a standalone provision.
In reaching his decision, he referred to the Nigerian Supreme Court’s ruling in Inakoju v. Adeleke (2007).
The court ordered the Inspector General of Police, the 1st Defendant, to immediately restore Shaibu’s security detail as Deputy Governor of Edo State.
At the time of filing this report, supporters of Shaibu were seen celebrating the court’s verdict within the court premises.
Justice Omotosho also noted that the impeachment appeared to be politically motivated due to Shaibu’s aspiration to contest for the office of Governor of Edo State.
Meanwhile the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) has appealed the judgement.
The lawmakers have also filed a stay of execution on the judgement pending the appeal.
