The Federal High Court in Abuja witnessed an intriguing legal episode as it decided to adjourn further proceedings in the case brought forward by Ondo State’s Deputy Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to October 30, 2023.
This adjournment was the result of a comprehensive examination of the arguments presented by the legal counsels representing the parties involved.
The central focus of this case centres on matters related to the service of court documents and alleged violations of a court order issued on September 26, 2023, pertaining to the deputy governor’s impeachment.
During the recent court session, a pending ruling was first delivered regarding the effect of the reconciliation committee established by the All Progressives Congress and the petition to the National Judicial Council submitted by the House of Assembly of Ondo State.
The court determined that it would proceed to hear all pending applications, emphasising that since the parties involved did not reach a mutual agreement on reconciliation and settlement, the case should proceed.
The court then proceeded to address the status of the pending applications. The deputy governor’s counsel argued that the Governor of Ondo State’s challenge to the court’s jurisdiction was premature, as it had been served to the plaintiff only on the last court date of October 9, 2023.
They also asserted that the plaintiff was still within the legally permitted time frame to serve their documents on the Department of State Services and the Inspector-General of Police.
The plaintiff raised concerns about a press release issued by the House of Assembly’s counsel on October 14, 2023, which contradicted the court’s standing order, suggesting that the House had not suspended the impeachment proceedings.
The court was urged to deny the House of Assembly an audience based on this press statement. The deputy governor’s counsel emphasized the duty to obey any court order, even when challenging the court’s jurisdiction.
The governor’s counsel argued that there was no need to wait for the Department of State Services and the Inspector-General of Police, as they had already received hearing notices from the court. The House of Assembly’s counsel contended that the issue of disobedience to the court’s order had been resolved during the previous court date when they apologized to the court and committed to compliance.
In response, the deputy governor’s counsel called for a simultaneous consideration of the plaintiff’s substantive originating summons and all objections raised by the defendants to expedite the process.
Following these legal exchanges, the court instructed that all filed documents should be served on all parties involved. It also expressed the need to thoroughly review the legal arguments made by the respective counsels and deliver a well-considered ruling.
The court assured fairness to all parties in the case and adjourned proceedings to October 30, 2023.
The case, initiated on September 26, 2023, is in response to the deputy governor’s complaints and includes the Ondo House of Assembly and the Chief Judge of the state as defendants.
The legal battle continues, and the upcoming ruling promises to shed further light on this intriguing case.
Source: Sahara Reporters