By Kenneth Atavti
Embattled Deputy Governor of Edo State, Godwin Omobayo, has been ordered to appear in person before an Abuja Federal High Court on November 26,2024.
The court ordered Omobayo to appear over alleged disobedience to the court judgment.
Justice James Omotosho, in a ruling, held that the order was to give Omobayo, the alleged contemnor, a fair hearing and the opportunity to defend himself in line with Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu had filed a contempt charge for Omobayo to be committed to prison for refusal to vacate office despite a valid court judgment.
Justice Omotosho had, on July 17, voided the impeachment of Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo by the House of Assembly.
The judge, in the judgment, ordered his reinstatement to office on the grounds that the Edo House of Assembly failed to comply with due process in the purported impeachment.
The judge also held that the allegation on which the assembly based the impeachment proceedings was untenable in law and did not constitute gross misconduct.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter until November 26, 2024 for hearing.
He also ordered that hearing notices be issued to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th defendants in the charge.
“In the interest of justice and to give the alleged contemnor the opportunity to defend himself and a fair hearing in line with Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the alleged contemnor is hereby ordered to be in court in person on the 26th day of November 2024, being the next adjourned date,” the judge ruled.