The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order restraining the Ondo State House of Assembly from impeaching the Deputy Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, over alleged gross misconduct. The court also barred Governor Rotimi Akeredolu from nominating a new deputy governor and sending his name to the lawmakers for confirmation until the main suit is determined.
Justice Emeka Nwite gave the ruling on Tuesday after hearing the ex-parte motion filed by Aiyedatiwa’s counsel, Kayode Adewusi. The judge said he was convinced that the interest of justice would be served by granting the application.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Aiyedatiwa had sued the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services, Governor Akeredolu, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, the Chief Judge of Ondo State and the House of Assembly as the first to sixth respondents respectively.
In his application dated and filed by Adelanke Akinrata on September 21, Aiyedatiwa sought for four reliefs. The judge granted all the reliefs and ordered an interim injunction restraining Akeredolu and his agents from harassing, intimidating, embarrassing and preventing Aiyedatiwa from performing his duties as deputy governor of Ondo State.
Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until October 9 for hearing.
NAN reports that Aiyedatiwa had also filed another suit at the High Court in Akure to stop the state’s house of assembly from proceeding with the impeachment process against him pending the hearing and determination of the suit filed in the court on Monday.
NAN