Court sets hearing date for Akeredolu and Aiyedatiwa’s impeachment case

The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled a date to hear a preliminary objection lodged by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State against a lawsuit brought by his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, aimed at halting his impeachment by the state’s House of Assembly.

Justice Emeka Nwite has set the hearing for October 30.

This decision came after Aiyedatiwa’s lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, opposed Kassim Gbadamosi, the lawyer for Akeredolu, who insisted on having his application heard.

Nwite also set the same date for the hearing of Aiyedatiwa’s counter affidavit.

The judge additionally scheduled the hearing for an application submitted by the Ondo State House of Assembly and its Speaker, challenging the court’s jurisdiction, as well as a motion for the stay of execution of the court’s interim order filed by the lawmakers.

Justice Nwite directed Adegboruwa to ensure that the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of State Service, the 1st and 2nd defendants in the case, are served with all necessary documents, including the notice of hearing. He urged all parties to prepare for the next adjourned date.

On September 26, Nwite issued an interim order that barred the Ondo State House of Assembly from impeaching Aiyedatiwa on grounds of gross misconduct. This ruling followed Aiyedatiwa’s counsel, Kayode Adewusi, presenting an ex-parte motion.