Federal High Court sitting in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has halted the impeachment process of the Ondo State Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday, September 26, by the State House of Assembly.
The House of Assembly commenced a move to impeach Aiyedatiwa over alleged gross misconduct.
The presiding Judge, Emeka Nwite passed the ruling on Tuesday after the counsel to Aiyedatiwa, Kayode Adewusi, moved the ex-parte motion to the effect.
The judge also restrained the Ondo State 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.
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.
He said, “Therefore, the application of the applicant succeeds.”
Aiyedatiwa in a motion on notice marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1294/2023, sued the Inspector-General (I-G) of the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Others are Gov. Akeredoku, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Chief Judge of Ondo State and the House of Assembly as 1st to 6th respondents respectively.
In the application dated and filed by Mr Adelanke Akinrata on September 21, Aiyedatiwa 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 Ondo State.
Justice Nwite, who granted all the reliefs adjourned the matter until Oct. 9 for hearing.
Aiyedatiwa also in another suit marked: AK/348/2023 prayed to the High Court in Akure to stop the state’s 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.