Appeal Court Reaffirms Philip Shaibu’s Reinstatement as Edo Deputy Governor

• The Court of Appeal upholds Philip Shaibu’s reinstatement as Edo State Deputy Governor, dismissing the Edo State House of Assembly’s appeal
• Shaibu’s impeachment was deemed illegal by the Federal High Court, confirming that the process violated constitutional provisions and lacked legal grounds

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld Philip Shaibu’s reinstatement as the Deputy Governor of Edo State, dismissing an appeal by the Edo State House of Assembly. The appellate court’s decision on Tuesday confirmed an earlier ruling by the Federal High Court, which declared Shaibu’s impeachment illegal and unconstitutional.

Philip Shaibu was impeached on April 8, 2024, after the Edo State House of Assembly adopted the findings of a seven-member committee set up by the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, to investigate allegations of misconduct against him.

However, on July 17, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court ruled in favour of Shaibu, reinstating him as Deputy Governor. The judge stated that the impeachment violated sections 188 and 35 of the 1999 Constitution, deeming it unlawful.

Unhappy with this outcome, the Edo State House of Assembly took the case to the Court of Appeal, seeking to overturn the Federal High Court’s decision. Nevertheless, the appellate court dismissed the appeal, agreeing with the lower court’s judgement that Shaibu’s impeachment was not conducted in accordance with the law and thus justified his reinstatement.