The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has affirmed the reinstatement of Philip Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State. This decision comes after Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court initially reinstated Shaibu on July 17, declaring his impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly as illegal and unconstitutional.
The appeal court dismissed the assembly’s appeal, citing lack of merit and upholding the lower court’s decision. Shaibu’s impeachment on April 8, 2024, was challenged due to alleged misconduct, but he claimed he did not receive a fair hearing.
The court’s ruling seeks to “resolve” the political rift between Shaibu and Governor Godwin Obaseki, who were both elected on different party platforms. The deputy governor’s intention to succeed Obaseki had sparked the crisis, leading to his removal by the assembly.
