NigerianCourt Reinstates Deputy Speaker After Ruling Impeachment Illegal

A Court of Appeal in Akure, Ondo state, has reinstated Hon Iroju Ogundeji as the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, following a unanimous decision invalidating his suspension and removal two years ago.

The court’s final verdict came after Ogundeji’s lawyer, Oluwanike Omotayo,Esq, challenged the constitutionality of Ogundeji’s suspension and removal through a court petition. The lawyer stated that the Assembly’s decision was marred by irregularities and did not follow the required constitutional procedures.

The court rejected the Assembly’s appeal, acknowledging that Ogundeji was unjustly removed from office without prior notice and without a just hearing. The judge ruled that the State Assembly’s rules and standing order state that a two-thirds majority of members be present before any principal officer like the Deputy Speaker can be impeached; however, the Assembly failed to adhereto this requirement.

The court orders reinstated Ogundeji as the Deputy Speaker and directedthat his entitlements be paid up-to-date forthwith. Additionally, the court awarded Nigeria N10 million as damages for the humiliation, Ogundeji suffered during his suspensions and removal.

This ruling puts an end to a two-year-long tumultuous saga that has plagued relations between Ogundeji and the legislative body.