In a landmark ruling on Wednesday, Justice Omotoso declared the impeachment of Edo State Deputy Governor Shaibu as illegal, unconstitutional, null, and void. The judgment concluded that the impeachment violated both sections 188 and 35 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
Justice Omotoso’s decision not only reinstated Shaibu but also mandated that he receive his salaries and allowances dating back to April, when he was initially impeached. The court further issued a perpetual injunction preventing Governor Godwin Obaseki and the Edo State House of Assembly from obstructing Shaibu’s official duties. Additionally, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, was ordered to reinstate Shaibu’s security details.
However, the Edo State House of Assembly swiftly appealed the High Court’s ruling and filed a motion for a stay of execution pending the appeal process.
Shaibu’s impeachment in April came after allegations of disclosing government secrets, as determined by a seven-man panel established by the State Assembly. Following the panel’s recommendation, 18 out of 19 assembly members voted in favor of his impeachment, marking the culmination of a protracted power struggle between Shaibu and Governor Obaseki.
Shaibu, who viewed the impeachment as a threat to democracy and attributed it to his gubernatorial ambitions under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), criticized the move as an attack on democratic principles.
In response to Shaibu’s removal, Governor Obaseki swiftly appointed Omobayo Godwins as the new deputy governor, emphasizing continuity until the end of his tenure in November. The appointment followed months of political tension, characterized by accusations, legal battles, and internal party disputes within the PDP regarding gubernatorial candidacy.
The ruling is expected to have significant implications for political stability in Edo State, amidst ongoing preparations for the 2024 gubernatorial election.
