Former Edo Deputy Governor, Godwin Omobayo, on Wednesday asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to suspend its ruling on a contempt charge against him to enable him and his predecessor, Philip Shaibu, to pursue an out-of-court settlement.
Omobayo is facing contempt proceedings over his alleged refusal to vacate the deputy governorship following a July 17, 2024 judgment reinstating Shaibu, who had been impeached by the Edo State House of Assembly.
Justice James Omotosho had fixed Wednesday for ruling on the contempt proceedings initiated by Shaibu against Omobayo for allegedly disobeying the court order.
However, shortly after the judge commenced delivering the ruling, Ken Mozia, SAN, counsel to Omobayo, sought the court’s permission to address the matter.
Mozia recalled that the court had previously given the parties an opportunity to resolve the dispute amicably.
He said his legal team had met with Ayotunde Ogunleye, SAN, lead counsel to Shaibu, and that the discussions had produced substantial agreement on the way forward.
“We had an extensive discussion leading to this.
“We met, and we had substantially agreed on what to do,” he said.
The senior lawyer, however, said some issues raised by Shaibu remained unresolved.
“By Friday evening, I got some conditions which they said they required.
“We request that your lordship allow us to engage in reconciliation.
“My intention this morning is to appeal to your lordship to allow us to deliberate on issues left,” Mozia said.
He added that although Omobayo was prepared to address the court personally, he was in court to speak on his behalf.
“I am sincerely appealing that my lord can give us one more time to clear the two outstanding issues,” he said.
Justice Omotosho, however, noted that it was not his practice to suspend a ruling on the day it was scheduled for delivery, particularly after the parties had been given considerable time to reconcile.
“I don’t even do that; to suspend a ruling on the day of delivery. It is out of respect to learned senior counsel,” the judge said.
The judge subsequently sought the position of Kunle Lawal, counsel to Shaibu, in the interest of fair hearing.
Lawal confirmed that reconciliation efforts were ongoing and did not oppose the request for a short adjournment.
“I can confirm that that is the position, my lord, that they will need more time to review some of the outstanding issues,” he said.
Justice Omotosho consequently adjourned the matter until September 25 for ruling.
The contempt proceedings stem from the judge’s July 17, 2024 judgment in suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/478/2024, in which he voided Shaibu’s impeachment as Edo deputy governor.
The court ordered Shaibu’s reinstatement, holding that the Edo State House of Assembly failed to comply with due process in the impeachment process.
Justice Omotosho also held that the allegations relied upon by the lawmakers did not constitute gross misconduct and were untenable in law.
Shaibu had instituted the suit against the Inspector-General of Police, the Deputy Governor of Edo, the Attorney-General, the Chief Judge of Edo, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly and the Edo State House of Assembly as first to sixth defendants.
READ ALSO: Davido Grills Aliko Dangote on IPO in New York
Omobayo was sworn in as Edo deputy governor on April 8, 2024, following Shaibu’s impeachment by the state assembly.
Following the court judgment reinstating Shaibu, Omobayo allegedly failed to vacate the office, leading Shaibu to initiate contempt proceedings against him.
The contempt application was dated September 13, 2024, and filed by Ogunleye on September 19, 2024.
