A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered Ondo State House of Assembly to halt impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa over alleged gross misconduct.
Justice Emeka Nwite gave the order on Tuesday after Aiyedatiwa’s counsel Kayode Adewusi moved the ex-parte motion to the effect.
The judge also restrained Governor Rotimi Akeredolu from nominating a new deputy governor and forwarding same to the lawmakers for approval pending the hearing and determination of the substantive matter.
Justice Nwite held that after listening to Adewusi, he was of the view that the interest of justice would be met by granting the application.
“Therefore, the application of the applicant succeeds,” he said.
Respondents in the embattled deputy governor’s suit are the Inspector General of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS).
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Others are Akeredoku, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Chief Judge of Ondo State and the House of Assembly as first to sixth respondents respectively.
In the application dated and filed by Adelanke Akinrata on September 21, Aiyedatiwa sought four reliefs.
The judge further made an order of interim injunction restraining Akeredolu, his servants or privies from harassing, intimidating, embarrassing and preventing Aiyedatiwa in carrying out the functions of his office as deputy governor of Ondo State.
Justice Nwite, who granted all the reliefs, adjourned the matter until October 9 for hearing.
In another suit at the High Court in Akure, Aiyedatiwa asked the court to stop the assembly from continuing the impeachment proceedings against him pending the hearing and determination of the suit.
