In a recent development, the impeachment plot against the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has encountered a significant obstacle.
The state’s Chief Judge, Justice Olusegun Odusola, has declined the order of the State House of Assembly, which directed him to establish a panel to investigate the embattled deputy governor within seven days.
Justice Odusola conveyed his decision to the Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, citing the necessity to await the resolution of an order from an Abuja Federal High Court that has temporarily halted the impeachment process against Aiyedatiwa.
This decision by Justice Odusola was communicated to Speaker Oladiji as the seven-day deadline set by the state legislature expired on Tuesday.
During a plenary session on October 3, the Assembly had instructed Odusola to create a 7-member panel to probe 14 allegations of official misconduct leveled against Aiyedatiwa.
A lawmaker within the State Assembly revealed that Justice Odusola advised the speaker to collaborate in efforts to vacate the order issued by the Abuja Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, as a prerequisite for him to comply with the Assembly’s directive.
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He said,
” The CJ has reached out to Mr. Speaker that he cannot set up a 7-member panel to probe the deputy governor as directed by the House, claiming that his hands are tied by the interim order issued by Justice Emeka Nwite, stopping the impeachment process.
“The CJ further told Mr. Speaker that the House should make conscious efforts to remove that hurdle, otherwise he would not set up the panel. The CJ assured that the seven-day window for him to carry out the assignment would commence from the day the order of the Federal High Court is vacated.
“When the speaker drew the attention of the CJ to the action of the State High Court, which vacated similar order on Tuesday, he responded that the State High Court didn’t expressly directed him to act. So, the House would have to initiate moves to vacate the controversial order before we can make any headway on this matter.”
On September 16, 2023, Justice Nwite issued an ex-parte order, preventing Governor Rotimi Akeredolu from selecting a replacement for the deputy governor.
In response to Justice Nwite’s order, the House filed a formal complaint with the National Judicial Council (NJC), expressing their protest and concerns.
