Edo Crisis: Phaibu Loses Bid To Stop Obaseki, Assembly From Impeaching Him

The Federal High Court in Abuja declined an application by Philip Shaibu, Edo Deputy Governor, directing Governor Godwin Obaseki, the House of Assembly, and others to maintain status quo pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

According to Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the case, the court refused to grant the oral application made by Shaibu’s lawyer, Prof. Oladoyin Awoyale.

In the lawsuit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/321/2024, Shaibu sued the Edo State Government, governor, house of assembly, and speaker as the 1st to 4th defendants, along with other officials.

In the motion dated March 8, Shaibu sought an interim injunction restraining certain defendants from interfering with the subject matter of the originating summons and from taking adverse actions regarding his removal from office.

Justice Omotosho had previously refused to grant the ex-parte motion and ordered the lawyer to serve all defendants with the processes and hearing notices.

During the resumed hearing, Awoyale informed the court of a new application dated March 8, and the judge granted leave for substituted service, adjourning the matter till April 15 for hearing.

Meanwhile, the Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) in Edo State has warned against the “unpopular” move to impeach Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu.

CRPP Chairman in Edo, Dr. Samson Isibor, expressed concern over the rejection of the Federal High Court summons by the Edo House of Assembly, alleging harassment of the court’s bailiff by security personnel on the orders of the Assembly’s leadership.