A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered Edo State Deputy Governor Godwins Omobayo to appear in person before it on November 26.
In a ruling on Monday, Justice James Omotosho summoned Mr Omobayo to come before the court and defend himself over his alleged refusal to vacate the position after it voided Philip Shaibu’s impeachment.
Shaibu filed the contempt charge against Omobayo.
Omobayo was sworn in as the new deputy governor on April 8 after Shaibu’s impeachment by the House of Assembly. Shaibu fell out with Governor Godwin Obaseki in the build-up to the governorship election.
The judge summoned Omobayo following his absence in court and non-representation by a lawyer.
Justice Omotosho also ordered that the first, second, third and fifth defendants should be sent hearing notices.
Delivering the ruling, the judge adjourned the matter until November 26 for hearing.
“In the interest of justice, and to give the alleged contemnor the opportunity to defend himself and fair hearing in line with Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the alleged contemnor is hereby ordered to be in court in person on 26th day of November, 2024, being the next adjourned date,” the judge ruled.
Obaseki’s tenure will wind up on November 12.
