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The Edo State House of Assembly started the impeachment process against Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, and the Federal High Court in Abuja refused to stop it.
Shaibu's attorney, Prof. Olawoyin Awoyale (SAN), asked the court to direct the parties in the matter designated FHC/ABJ/CS/321/2024 to maintain the status quo, but Justice James Omotosho denied his request.
The judge denied the petition, stating that "the Originating Summons of the suit have not been served with the required diligence to the principal actors in the matter, the Governor of Edo State and the Edo State House of Assembly."
He subsequently granted Shaibu’s prayer to serve the court papers on Obaseki and the state House of Assembly by substituted means.
Justice Omotoso ordered that the court process be pasted at the entrance gate of the Edo State Government House and the gate of the state House of Assembly Complex in Benin.
The Judge also directed that all court papers be served on parties in the matter with the use of a registered courier company.
Justice Omotoso adjourned further proceedings till April 15.
The impeachment move is believed to be the latest development in the rift between Shaibu and his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki. There had been an uneasy calm between the deputy governor and his principal since last year when Shaibu declared his interest to join this year’s Edo governorship race.
