Nigerian court closes case against former Edo deputy governor — Premium Times Nigeria

The Federal High Court in Abuja, Nigeria, has closed contempt proceedings against former Edo State Deputy Governor Godwins Omobayo after he apologized. Justice James Omotosho granted an application by Philip Shaibu’s lawyer, Ayotunde Ogunleye, to withdraw the charge and struck it out.

Omobayo’s apology

As Premium Times Nigeria reports, Omobayo read an apology letter and a written affidavit in court. He said he regretted the actions that prompted Shaibu to go to court and had no intention of disregarding the court’s ruling of July 17, 2024.

Omobayo also pledged not to present himself as the former deputy governor of Edo State in the future and not to perform functions associated with that office. His lawyer, Ken Mozia, told the court that the parties had settled the dispute out of court and submitted the apology letter and the relevant affidavit.

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The court’s position

Ogunleye asked for the charge to be withdrawn, and Omobayo’s defense did not object. The judge noted that Omobayo had remedied the consequences of the contempt of court, while stressing that court rulings must be complied with regardless of a person’s status.

Omotosho said he had already prepared a ruling but did not deliver it after the dispute was settled. The judge also said that without such a settlement, he could have sentenced Omobayo to three months in prison.

Background of the dispute

The proceedings concerned Omobayo’s alleged refusal to leave the office of deputy governor after a court ruling reinstated Philip Shaibu. In July 2024, the court declared invalid Shaibu’s impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly due to a failure to follow due process. Omobayo was sworn in as the new deputy governor on April 8, 2024, after Shaibu’s impeachment.