More Woes For Obaseki As Philip Shaibu Wins Stay Of Execution, Set To Resume As Deputy Governor
In a fresh blow to Governor Godwin Obaseki, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, has dismissed an application for stay of execution filed by the Edo State government and the House of Assembly. The case sought to halt the reinstatement of Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu as Deputy Governor of Edo State, but the court rejected their plea and instead imposed a fine of ₦200,000 on each appellant, including Obaseki and the Speaker of the House.
Justice Omotosho’s ruling follows his earlier judgement in July 2024, which declared Shaibu’s impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly illegal, unconstitutional, and null. The court had ruled that the process violated sections 188 and 35 of the 1999 Constitution, and subsequently ordered Shaibu’s immediate reinstatement.
The judge emphasized that the attempt to overturn his previous judgement lacked merit, reaffirming Shaibu’s rightful position as Deputy Governor. He also directed that Shaibu’s full salaries and allowances, withheld since his impeachment in April, be paid in full.
Justice Omotosho issued a perpetual injunction, barring Governor Obaseki and the Edo State House of Assembly from interfering with Shaibu’s role as Deputy Governor. Additionally, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, was ordered to restore Shaibu’s security details, which has already been done in compliance with the court’s earlier directive.
This ruling represents another significant defeat for Governor Obaseki and adds to his mounting challenges, as Shaibu is now set to resume his position in Government House.