Abuja court postpones ruling in Edo ex-deputy governor’s case — Premium Times Nigeria

The Federal High Court in Abuja, Nigeria, postponed until 25 September the delivery of its ruling in proceedings over alleged contempt of court involving former Edo State Deputy Governor Godwins Omobayo. His lawyer asked for additional time for the parties to settle the dispute out of court.

As Premium Times Nigeria reports, the proceedings were initiated by former Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu. He said that Omobayo did not leave office after the court’s ruling of 17 July 2024, which reinstated Shaibu to his position.

Request for postponement

Justice James Omotosho was due to deliver the ruling on Wednesday. After the judge began delivering it, Omobayo’s representative, Ken Mozia, asked that the parties be allowed to continue negotiations. According to him, the lawyers held detailed consultations and largely agreed on the next steps, but did not settle certain issues.

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Mozia also said that Omobayo was present in court and ready to speak personally. The judge noted that he does not usually postpone the delivery of a ruling on the day it is to be pronounced, and that the parties had already had about two months for reconciliation.

Shaibu side’s position

Shaibu’s representative, Kunle Lawal, confirmed that negotiations between the parties were ongoing and did not object to a short postponement of the hearing. Justice Omotosho then rescheduled the delivery of the ruling for 25 September.

In July 2024, the court declared invalid Shaibu’s impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly and ordered his reinstatement. The judge then concluded that the legislators had not followed due process and that the allegations against Shaibu did not constitute gross misconduct. Omobayo was sworn in as the new deputy governor on 8 April 2024 following Shaibu’s impeachment.