A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the governor Godwin Obaseki installed deputy governor Godwin Omobayo, to appear in person by November 26, 2024.
The order was handed down by presiding judge Justice James Omotosho Monday, following Omobayo’s refusal to vacate the office for the reinstated deputy governor, Philip Shaibu.
Governor Godwin Obaseki on April 8, 2024 appointed the 38-year-old Omobayo as deputy governor following the impeachment of Shaibu by the Edo State House of Assembly. But Justice Omotosho had on July 17 nullified Shaibu’s impeachment and reinstated him to the position.
After Omobayo refused to vacate the position, Shaibu in a suit asked the court to commit the deputy governor to prison for disobeying a valid order.
At Monday’s proceeding, the judge said the order was to give Omobayo a fair hearing and the opportunity to defend himself in line with Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution.
He said: “The order is in the interest of justice and to allow the alleged contemnor to defend himself and a fair hearing.
“The alleged contemnor is hereby ordered to be in court in person on the 26th day of November 2024.”
Governor Obaseki’s tenure will end on November 12.
