A Federal High Court in Abuja has declined to grant an application by Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu asking it to vacate its September 26 interim order for lack of jurisdiction.
Justice Emeka Nwite on September 26 restrained the state’s assembly from impeaching Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa over alleged gross misconduct.
He also restrained Akeredolu from nominating a new deputy governor and forwarding same to the lawmakers for approval as the new state’s deputy governor based on a letter of resignation purportedly authored or signed by Aiyedatiwa, pending the hearing and determination of the interlocutory application.
Ruling on Friday, Justice Nwite instead adjourned the suit indefinitely in view of the fact that an appeal had been entered at the Court of Appeal in respect of the issue before him by Ondo State House of Assembly and its speaker.
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He also refused to grant Akeredolu and the speaker’s request to strike out or dismiss the suit for lack of jurisdiction.
The judge held that it would be wise for the court to adjourn the matter “sine die” pending the outcome of the appeal in order to avoid judicial rascality.
The speaker and the assembly on October 20 appealed against the interim order made by Justice Nwite on September 26.
In their appeal filed at the Appeal Court in Abuja, they sought two reliefs. These include, “an order setting aside the ex-parte order of the lower court made on September 26” and “an order allowing the appeal and directing that the substantive matter be dismissed for want of jurisdiction.”
