A Federal High Court in Abuja has barred the Ondo State House of Assembly from impeaching Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, for alleged gross misconduct.
The presiding judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, issued a judgment on Tuesday, shortly after Aiyedatiwa’s counsel, Kayode Adewusi, brought the ex-parte petition.
The judge also barred Governor Rotimi Akeredolu from appointing a new deputy governor and submitting his nomination to lawmakers for approval awaiting the outcome of the main dispute.
Justice Nwite held that after listening to Adewusi, he was of the view that the interest of justice would be met by granting the application.
The judge said,
- “Therefore, the application of the applicant succeeds.’’
In the application before the court, the deputy governor sought four reliefs.
The judge further made an order of interim injunction restraining Akeredolu, his servants, or privies from harassing, intimidating, embarrassing, and preventing Aiyedatiwa from carrying out the functions of his office as deputy governor of the state.
Justice Nwite, who granted all the reliefs, adjourned the matter until October 9 for a hearing.
Mr Aiyedatiwa had also, in another suit before the High Court in Akure, prayed for the court to stop the state house of assembly from proceeding with the impeachment proceedings against him, pending the hearing and determination of the suit filed in the court on Monday.
