This order follows a contempt charge filed by Philip Shaibu, who was reinstated as Deputy Governor after his impeachment was nullified.
Godwins Omobayo, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, has been ordered by the Federal High Court in Abuja to appear in court on November 26 over alleged disobedience to a prior court ruling.
Justice James Omotosho ruled that Omobayo’s appearance would ensure he receives a fair hearing, allowing him to defend himself under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.
This order follows a contempt charge filed by Philip Shaibu, who was reinstated as Deputy Governor after his impeachment was nullified.
Shaibu contends that Omobayo failed to vacate the deputy governorship role despite the court’s decision.
Justice Omotosho previously voided Shaibu’s impeachment on 17 July, declaring that the Edo House of Assembly did not follow due process.
He also ruled that the impeachment’s basis did not meet the threshold for gross misconduct.
Shaibu’s case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/478/2024, named several Edo state officials, including the Inspector-General of Police and the Edo Chief Judge, as defendants.
Omobayo was sworn in on 8 April, after Shaibu’s impeachment.
On 24 October, Justice Omotosho scheduled a hearing for Monday after approving Shaibu’s request for a substituted service of Form 49 on Omobayo.
Shaibu’s counsel, Ini-obong Ebiekpi, confirmed that while Omobayo had received Form 48, Form 49 could not be served.
Omobayo was not present or represented during Monday’s proceedings. Ayotunde Ogunleye, SAN, counsel for Shaibu, requested a court directive for Omobayo’s appearance, citing disregard for court orders.
Justice Omotosho then adjourned the case to 26 November, instructing notices be sent to the defendants.
“In the interest of justice... the alleged contemnor is hereby ordered to be in court in person on 26th day of November, 2024,” he ruled.
With the Edo state government’s tenure ending on 12 November, the outcome of this case may impact its remaining days in office.