The ongoing legal battle between Philip Shaibu, the reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo, and Godwins Omobayo has taken a new turn. The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the contempt case against Omobayo, with the new hearing date set for November 4. This decision comes amid claims that Omobayo has failed to comply with a court judgment.
During the court session, Justice James Omotosho addressed a motion filed by Shaibu’s legal team. Shaibu’s lawyer, Ini-obong Ebiekpi, stated that while they had successfully served Omobayo with Form 48, they were unable to serve him with Form 49. This led to the request for a substituted service, which the court granted. The judge emphasized the need for proper notification before proceeding with the contempt charge.
Ebiekpi informed the court that the matter had been scheduled for hearing due to the approaching end of the Edo state government’s current term on November 12. This timeline adds urgency to the case, as it may affect the political landscape in the state.
This contempt case stems from Shaibu’s reinstatement as Deputy Governor after being impeached by the Edo State House of Assembly. On July 17, Justice Omotosho ruled that Shaibu’s impeachment was invalid due to the Assembly’s failure to adhere to proper procedures. The judge found that the allegations against Shaibu did not constitute gross misconduct, leading to his reinstatement.
In September, Justice Omotosho also dismissed two motions filed by the Edo state government and the House of Assembly, challenging Shaibu’s reinstatement. He ruled in favor of Shaibu and ordered the state government and the Assembly to pay a total of N400,000 in costs for their failed attempts to contest the court’s earlier ruling.
As it stands, Omobayo was sworn in as the new deputy governor on April 8, following Shaibu’s impeachment. The court’s decision to delay the contempt hearing raises questions about the future of both Omobayo and Shaibu, especially with the government’s term ending soon.
The upcoming hearing will be crucial in addressing the allegations against Omobayo and determining the next steps in this complex legal battle. Both parties are keen to resolve the matter before the political landscape shifts with the new government set to take office.
