Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo of the Lagos High Court ruled today that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode demolition of Otodo Gbame community is irrevocable by the court. The judge, presiding on the matter said the court does not have jurisdiction to order the activities of the governor.
Justice Adeniyi had earlier ordered Governor Ambode appear before it to explain why he demolished the community against a court temporary order, but the judge backtracked, making a ruling that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) gives the Governor immunity which shields him from any legal case while he remains as the Governor of the state.
"The court lacks the jurisdiction to rule on the third respondent (Governor Ambode) according to immunity bestowed on him by Section 308 of the Constitution of the land." Justice Adeniyi ruled.
However, the judge expressed disappointment at the Governor's disregard of the court order by demolishing the waterfront community after a court order has been given for status quo to be maintained by both party pending a final judgment on the issue. The judge also pointed that the demolition of Otodo Gbame is out-rightly going against the rule of law.
"The third respondent (Governor Ambode) undermined the principle of rule of law and is going against the democratic system which put him in office in the first place."
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in connivance with the Elegushi family had on Sunday totally brought Otodo Gbame a riverine community in Lagos to ruins and rendered over 5,000 residents homeless.
