A Federal High Court in Abuja was set to deliver a ruling in a contempt case against former Edo State Deputy Governor Godwins Omobayo on September 24, 2026. However, the ruling was stalled due to Omobayo's request for time to explore an out-of-court settlement with the plaintiff, Philip Shaibu, another former Deputy Governor of Edo State. Omobayo's lawyer, Ken Mozia, sought the court's permission to address the court, citing an extensive discussion between the parties.
According to Mozia, the parties had substantially agreed on some issues but were yet to completely agree on others. He requested that the court grant them more time to resolve the outstanding issues. Justice James Omotosho, who was about to deliver the ruling, agreed to adjourn the matter till the next day. The contempt case was brought against Omobayo for allegedly refusing to abide by the court's judgment of July 17, 2024, voiding Shaibu's impeachment and ordering Omobayo to vacate the seat.
The court's judgment on July 17, 2024, had voided Shaibu's impeachment and ordered his reinstatement to office. The judge held that the House of Assembly failed to comply with due process in the purported impeachment. The judgment was in response to a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/478/2024, with Shaibu as the plaintiff. Shaibu had sued the Inspector-General of Police, the Deputy Governor of Edo, the AG, Chief Judge of Edo, Speaker of Edo House of Assembly, and the Edo State House of Assembly.
Omobayo was sworn in as the new deputy governor on April 8, 2024, after Shaibu's impeachment by the House of Assembly. However, after the court's judgment, Omobayo allegedly refused to vacate the deputy governorship position, prompting Shaibu to initiate the contempt proceeding. Mozia stated that his client was prepared to address the court himself and show remorse for his alleged misconduct.
Justice Omotosho noted that it was not his practice to suspend a ruling while it was about to be delivered. However, he agreed to adjourn the matter after Shaibu's lawyer, Kunle Lawal, confirmed that a reconciliation process was ongoing between the parties. Lawal stated that his client was not opposed to the application for a short adjournment.
The parties are expected to meet again in court on the next day for the ruling. The case has garnered significant attention due to the involvement of high-ranking officials in Edo State. The court's decision will have implications for the state's governance and the parties involved.
The case highlights the complexities of Nigeria's political landscape, where disputes between officials often end up in court. The judiciary plays a crucial role in resolving such disputes and ensuring that the rule of law is upheld. The outcome of this case will be closely watched by stakeholders in Edo State and beyond.
Key points
- The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned a ruling in a contempt case against former Edo State Deputy Governor Godwins Omobayo.
- Omobayo's lawyer requested time to explore an out-of-court settlement with the plaintiff, Philip Shaibu.
- The court's judgment on July 17, 2024, had voided Shaibu's impeachment and ordered his reinstatement to office.
