Court stops impeachment of Ondo State deputy governor

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday restrained the Ondo State House of Assembly from impeaching the Deputy Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, over alleged gross misconduxt.

Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling shortly after Aiyedatiwa’s counsel, Kayode Adewusi, moved the ex-parte motion to effect, restrained Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu from nominating a new deputy governor, and forwarded the same to the lawmakers for approval pending the hearing and determination of the substantive matter.

Justice Nwite held that after listening to Adewusi, he was of the view that the interest of justice would be met by granting the application.

“Therefore, the application of the applicant succeeds,” he said.

Supreme News reports that the embattled deputy governor had, in a motion on notice marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1294/2023, sued the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), Gov. Akeredoku, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Chief Judge of Ondo State, and the House of Assembly as 1st to 6th respondents, respectively.

In the application dated and filed by Mr. Adelanke Akinrata on Sept. 21, Aiyedatiwa sought four reliefs.

The judge further made an order of interim injunction restraining Akeredolu, his servants, or privies from harassing, intimidating, embarrassing, and preventing Aiyedatiwa from carrying out the functions of his office as deputy governor of Ondo State.

Justice Nwite, who granted all the reliefs, adjourned the matter until Oct. 9 for a hearing.

Supreme News reports that Aiyedatiwa had also, in another suit marked AK/348/2023, prayed to the High Court in Akure to stop the state’s house of assembly from proceeding with the impeachment proceedings against him pending the hearing and determination of the suit filed in court on Monday.