A seven-man panel led by retired Justice S.A. Omonuwa, appointed by Edo State Chief Judge Justice Daniel Okungbowa, resolved to proceed with its inquiry into allegations of gross misconduct against Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu. This decision was reached on Wednesday, with the panel citing the absence of a court order prohibiting its activities.
The ruling followed objections from Shaibu’s counsel, Professor Oladoyin Awoyale (SAN), who referenced an Abuja Federal High Court directive postponing the matter until April 8, 2024. The court instructed all involved parties to justify the grant or denial of interlocutory injunctions against the ongoing impeachment proceedings initiated by the Edo State House of Assembly.
Despite Awoyale’s objections, Justice Omonuwa affirmed the panel’s right to proceed, emphasizing the constitutional mandate outlined in Section 188 (10) of the Nigerian Constitution. This section, as amended, asserts the independence of the House of Assembly and its investigative panels from judicial interference.
In response to the ruling, Awoyale requested permission for Shaibu’s withdrawal from the proceedings, citing the pending court matter. Although Awoyale declined to comment to the press following his departure, Justice Omonuwa affirmed that the panel’s work would continue unabated.
The panel urged the House of Assembly to present its case against Deputy Governor Shaibu as the investigation progresses. The session remains ongoing.
