In a significant development, a Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an injunction to prevent the Ondo State House of Assembly from impeaching Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa over alleged gross misconduct.

The ruling, delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite, came following an ex-parte motion moved by Aiyedatiwa’s counsel, Kayode Adewusi.

Furthermore, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has been restrained from nominating a new deputy governor and forwarding the nomination to the lawmakers for approval until the substantive matter is heard and determined.

Justice Nwite, after hearing Adewusi’s arguments, determined that granting the application would serve the interests of justice.

“Therefore, the application of the applicant succeeds,” Justice Nwite stated.

In response to the alleged misconduct, Aiyedatiwa filed a motion on notice (FHC/ABJ/CS/1294/2023) against the Inspector-General of Police, the State Security Services, Governor Akeredolu, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, the Chief Judge of Ondo State, and the House of Assembly as respondents 1 to 6, respectively.

Through an application dated September 21 and filed by Adelanke Akinrata, Aiyedatiwa sought four reliefs.

Additionally, the judge issued an interim injunction to prevent Akeredolu and his associates from harassing, intimidating, embarrassing, or obstructing Aiyedatiwa in the performance of his duties as the deputy governor of Ondo State.

Justice Nwite granted all the requested reliefs and adjourned the hearing until October 9.

In a separate lawsuit (AK/348/2023), Aiyedatiwa also petitioned the High Court in Akure to halt the impeachment proceedings against him by the state’s House of Assembly until the court resolves the suit filed on Monday.

NAN