A Federal High Court in Abuja has reinstated the impeached deputy governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu The court gave the order on Wednesday.
This ruling followed Shaibu’s earlier impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly.
Presiding over the case, Hon. Justice James Omotosho declared that Shaibu’s removal from office and the subsequent appointment of Omobayo Godwins as his replacement were illegal, unconstitutional, and void.
Justice Omotosho emphasised that the impeachment process breached the procedures outlined in Section 188(1) to (9) of the Nigerian Constitution.
He further noted that the ouster clause in Section 188(10), which limits the court’s jurisdiction, is not a standalone provision.
Referencing the Nigerian Supreme Court decision in Inakoju v. Adeleke (2007), Justice Omotosho stated that the impeachment was politically motivated, driven by Shaibu’s gubernatorial aspirations.
The court ruled that the impeachment violated the provisions of both Section 188 and Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
It ordered that all salaries, allowances, and benefits owed to Shaibu from April 8, when he was illegally impeached, until the end of his tenure, must be paid.
Additionally, the court issued a perpetual injunction preventing Governor Godwin Obaseki and the Edo State House of Assembly from obstructing Shaibu in performing his duties.
Furthermore, the Inspector General of Police was directed to immediately restore all security details to Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State.
Following the verdict, Shaibu’s supporters were seen celebrating within the court premises in Abuja.
