The Court of Appeal in Abuja has confirmed the reinstatement of Philip Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State, dismissing an appeal from the Edo State House of Assembly that sought to uphold his impeachment.
The appellate court’s decision backs a previous ruling by the Federal High Court, which had overturned Shaibu’s impeachment. The Edo State House of Assembly had impeached Shaibu on April 8, 2024, following the adoption of a report by a seven-member committee set up by the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa. The committee had been tasked with investigating allegations of misconduct against Shaibu.
Although the panel did not find sufficient evidence to support the charge of perjury against Shaibu, it accused him of disclosing government secrets, a charge that the Assembly used to justify his impeachment. The impeachment was quickly met with legal challenges, leading to a ruling from Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on July 17, which declared the impeachment invalid and ordered Shaibu’s immediate reinstatement.
Justice Omotosho found that the grounds for Shaibu’s impeachment were legally insufficient and characterized the Assembly’s actions as gross misconduct. The court further ordered the Inspector-General of Police to ensure Shaibu’s security so that he could resume his duties as deputy governor without hindrance.
The court also issued a stern warning, stating that any individual other than Shaibu who attempted to assume the role of deputy governor would face legal consequences. This ruling effectively nullified the appointment of Omobayo Godwin, who had been named as Shaibu’s replacement.
With this latest judgment, Philip Shaibu’s position as Deputy Governor of Edo State has been firmly reinstated, and any further attempts to challenge this decision are likely to face significant legal obstacles.