The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has issued an injunction preventing the Ondo House of Assembly from impeaching Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa based on allegations of gross misconduct. The court also ordered Governor Rotimi Akeredolu not to nominate a new deputy governor pending the outcome of the substantive matter.
Justice Emeka Nwite made this decision in response to an ex-parte motion presented by Mr. Aiyedatiwa’s lawyer, Kayode Adewusi. The judge expressed the view that granting the application would serve the interests of justice.
Read Also FCCPC Summons Erisco Foods Over Arrest of Dissatisfied Consumer
The injunction effectively halts any ongoing impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aiyedatiwa in the Ondo State House of Assembly. It also prevents the appointment of a new deputy governor until the court hears and determines the substantive case.
Justice Nwite’s decision came after Mr. Aiyedatiwa filed a motion on notice dated September 21, seeking four reliefs in response to the impeachment threat. The embattled deputy governor had named the Inspector General of Police, the State Security Service (SSS), Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, the Speaker of the Ondo Parliament, the Ondo Chief Judge, and the Ondo State House of Assembly as respondents in the suit.
Read Also Ejes Gist News emerges as fast growing trusted online news platform
The court’s ruling included an interim injunction that prevents Governor Akeredolu, his representatives, or associates from harassing, intimidating, embarrassing, or obstructing Deputy Governor Aiyedatiwa in carrying out his duties.
Justice Nwite granted all the reliefs sought by Mr. Aiyedatiwa and scheduled the matter for a hearing on October 9, 2023.
It’s worth noting that Mr. Aiyedatiwa had also filed another suit, marked AK/348/2023, at the Akure Division of the Ondo High Court. In this suit, he sought to halt the assembly from proceeding with the impeachment process until the court hears and decides on the case filed on Monday.
