Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has reinstated Philip Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State, overturning his impeachment by the state assembly earlier this year.
In his judgment on Wednesday, Justice Omotosho declared Shaibu’s impeachment illegal and unconstitutional, citing gross violations of the Constitution by the Edo State House of Assembly.
The court not only reinstated Shaibu but also ordered that he receive all salaries and allowances due to him from April, when he was impeached. Additionally, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, was directed to restore Shaibu’s security details.
Meanwhile, the Edo State House of Assembly has filed an appeal against the High Court’s decision and requested a stay of execution pending the appeal process.
Shaibu, aged 54, was impeached by the assembly following allegations of disclosing government secrets, which were investigated by a seven-man panel. Eighteen out of 19 assembly members voted in favor of his impeachment, citing the findings of the panel.
Reacting to his impeachment, Shaibu criticized the move as an assault on democracy and a personal attack linked to his ambition to contest the 2024 Edo State governorship election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
After Shaibu’s removal, Governor Godwin Obaseki swiftly appointed Omobayo Godwins, aged 37, as the new deputy governor to complete the remaining tenure until November. The appointment was ratified by the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, on the same day.
The strained relationship between Shaibu and Obaseki has been marked by political tensions, including Shaibu’s bid for the PDP governorship nomination, which led to internal party disputes and legal challenges.
