In a significant legal development, a Federal High Court in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has issued an injunction preventing the Ondo State House of Assembly from impeaching Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa over allegations of gross misconduct.
The court also restrained Governor Rotimi Akeredolu from nominating a new deputy governor and forwarding the nomination to the lawmakers for approval until the substantive matter is heard and determined.
The ruling was delivered on Tuesday by Justice Emeka Nwite, following an ex-parte motion filed by Aiyedatiwa’s counsel, Kayode Adewusi. Justice Nwite, after considering Adewusi’s argument, declared that granting the application was in the interest of justice.
The embattled deputy governor had initiated legal action through a motion on notice dated September 21, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1294/2023. In the suit, Aiyedatiwa named the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), Governor Akeredolu, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, the Chief Judge of Ondo State, and the House of Assembly as respondents.
In the application, Aiyedatiwa sought four reliefs, which the court granted. These include an order of interim injunction restraining Governor Akeredolu, his servants, or privies from harassing, intimidating, embarrassing, or preventing him from carrying out his duties as deputy governor of Ondo State.
Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until October 9, 2023, for a full hearing. Additionally, Aiyedatiwa had filed another suit in the High Court in Akure, marked AK/348/2023, seeking to halt the state’s House of Assembly from proceeding with the impeachment process against him until the court determines the suit filed on Monday.