The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has discharged former Edo State Deputy Governor Godwins Omobayo from contempt proceedings instituted against him by his predecessor, Philip Shaibu.
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Justice James Omotosho struck out the contempt charge on Friday after Omobayo tendered an apology over his conduct and the parties informed the court that they had amicably resolved their differences.
The court had fixed the proceedings for a ruling following allegations that Omobayo disobeyed its July 17, 2024 judgment which nullified Shaibu’s impeachment and ordered his reinstatement as Edo State deputy governor.
When the matter was called, Shaibu’s counsel, Ayotunde Ogunleye, SAN, reminded the court that it had been scheduled for ruling.
However, Omobayo’s lawyer, Ken Mozia, SAN, informed the court of the resolution reached by the parties. Following the apology and the position taken by both sides, Justice Omotosho discharged Omobayo and struck out the contempt proceedings.
The development followed an earlier request by Omobayo for the court to suspend its ruling and allow the parties additional time to complete their reconciliation.
At the previous proceedings, Mozia told the court that both sides had substantially agreed on how to resolve the dispute but still had some outstanding issues to address.
Shaibu’s legal team confirmed that reconciliation discussions were underway and did not oppose the request for a short adjournment. The court consequently shifted the ruling to September 25.
The contempt case arose from Shaibu’s impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly on April 8, 2024, after which Omobayo was sworn in as his replacement.
Shaibu subsequently challenged his removal at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Delivering judgment on July 17, 2024, Justice Omotosho held that the Edo State House of Assembly failed to follow the procedure prescribed by law in removing Shaibu.
The court also found that the allegation upon which the impeachment was based did not amount to gross misconduct as contemplated by the Constitution. It consequently nullified the impeachment and ordered Shaibu’s reinstatement.
Shaibu later commenced contempt proceedings against Omobayo, alleging that he continued to occupy and present himself as deputy governor despite the subsisting judgment.
The committal application, dated September 13, 2024, was filed on September 19, 2024. It sought Omobayo’s punishment for allegedly refusing to comply with the reinstatement order.
The case continued after the expiration of the Obaseki administration, with Omobayo making several appearances before the court.
The dispute has now ended without the court determining the contempt charge on its merits, following Omobayo’s apology and the amicable settlement accepted by the parties.
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