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.