A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a restraining order preventing the Ondo State House of Assembly from impeaching the Deputy Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, based on allegations of gross misconduct.
The ruling was delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite shortly after Mr. Aiyedatiwa’s counsel, Kayode Adewusi, presented an ex-parte motion to that effect.
Justice Nwite also extended this restraint to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, preventing him from nominating a new deputy governor for approval by the lawmakers until the substantive matter is heard and determined.
Justice Nwite further expressed the view that granting the application would serve the interest of justice and declared, “Therefore, the application of the applicant succeeds.”
The embattled deputy governor had filed a motion on notice (marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1294/2023) in which he sued the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services, Governor Akeredolu, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, the Chief Judge of Ondo State, and the House of Assembly as the 1st to 6th respondents respectively.
In the application dated September 21 and filed by Mr. Adelanke Akinrata, Mr. Aiyedatiwa sought four reliefs, all of which were granted by Justice Nwite.
Additionally, the judge issued an interim injunction preventing Governor Akeredolu and his associates from interfering with Mr. Aiyedatiwa’s performance of his duties as the deputy governor of Ondo State.
Justice Nwite adjourned the matter for a hearing on October 9.
Recall that Mr. Aiyedatiwa had also filed another suit (marked: AK/348/2023) on Monday in the High Court in Akure, seeking to halt the state’s House of Assembly from proceeding with the impeachment process against him until the court resolves the matter.
