The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld the reinstatement of Philip Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State, affirming an earlier ruling by a lower court.
On Tuesday, the appellate court dismissed an appeal that sought to support Shaibu’s impeachment, which had occurred on April 8, 2024, following the adoption of a report by a seven-member committee.
Previously, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja had nullified Shaibu’s impeachment on July 17, 2024. The court ruled that the allegations used by the Edo State House of Assembly to justify the impeachment were legally insufficient and amounted to gross misconduct.
Justice Omotosho ordered Shaibu’s immediate reinstatement, instructing that he be provided with necessary security to resume his duties as deputy governor. The court also nullified the appointment of Omobayo Godwin, who had been named as Shaibu’s replacement following the impeachment.
With this latest ruling by the Court of Appeal, Shaibu’s position as the Deputy Governor of Edo State remains secure until the end of his tenure.
