The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected the request made by Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, for an order directing Governor Godwin Obaseki, the House of Assembly, and others to maintain the status quo on impeachment proceedings against him until a lawsuit he filed is determined.
Shaibu’s lawyer, Prof. Oladoyin Awoyale, presented motions on Wednesday, March 20, seeking substituted service of court documents on some of the first to fourth defendants who had not yet been served. However, Justice Omotosho declined the request, citing the plaintiff’s inability to serve all listed defendants. The judge deemed it inappropriate to issue any order against them under these circumstances.
Highlighting that the court’s Easter vacation was scheduled to begin on Friday, March 22, Justice Omotosho advised the plaintiff’s lawyer to seek permission from the court’s Chief Judge to have the case heard during the vacation period. Consequently, the case was adjourned until April 15.
