The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court on Tuesday issued an injunction preventing the Ondo House of Assembly from impeaching Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on the grounds of alleged gross misconduct.
Justice Emeka Nwite gave the order following the presentation of an ex-parte motion by Mr Aiyedatiwa’s lawyer, Kayode Adewusi.
The judge also restrained Governor Rotimi Akeredolu from nominating a new deputy governor and forwarding the same to the lawmakers for approval pending the hearing and determination of the substantive matter.
Mr Nwite held that after listening to Mr Adewusi, he was of the view that the interest of justice would be met by granting the application.
“Therefore, the application of the applicant succeeds,” the judge said.
In a motion on notice marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1294/2023, the embattled deputy governor had sued the inspector general of police and the State Security Service (SSS), Mr Akeredoku, speaker of the Ondo parliament, Ondo chief judge, and the assembly as first to sixth respondents, respectively.
In the application dated and filed by Adelanke Akinrata on September 21, Mr Aiyedatiwa sought four reliefs.
The judge further ordered an interim injunction restraining Mr Akeredolu, his servants, or privies from harassing, intimidating, embarrassing, and preventing Mr Aiyedatiwa from carrying out the functions of his office as deputy governor of Ondo.
Mr Nwite, who granted all the reliefs, adjourned the matter until October 9 for a hearing.
Mr Aiyedatiwa had also, in another suit marked AK/348/2023, prayed the Akure Division of the Ondo High Court to stop the assembly from proceeding with the impeachment proceedings against him pending the hearing and determination of the suit filed in court on Monday.
(NAN)
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