Impeachment: Shaibu’s Legal Counsel Walks Out on Probe Panel, Contending Alleged Court Disobedience

The lead counsel representing embattled Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, Prof. Oladoyin Awoyale (SAN), made a bold exit during the inaugural session of the seven-member panel tasked with investigating Shaibu’s conduct. The attorney accused the panel of purportedly flouting an order from the Federal High Court (FHC) in Abuja.

The Edo State Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, had assembled the panel to delve into various allegations leveled against Shaibu. However, Awoyale raised objections, urging the panel members, led by Justice S. A. Omonua (retd.), to heed an interlocutory injunction issued by the FHC in Abuja, slated for a hearing on April 8.

Awoyale asserted that participating in the panel’s proceedings would constitute a “fait accompli” and continuing the sessions would amount to contempt of court. He chose not to engage with reporters following his departure.

On the opposing side, Joe Oaifi, representing the Edo State House of Assembly, and also serving as the Deputy Clerk of the House of Assembly’s Legal Department, defended the panel’s legitimacy. Oaifi cited Section 188 (10) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), contending that this provision preempted any court from obstructing the House of Assembly and the panel in carrying out their constitutional duties.

Justice Omonua echoed Oaifi’s sentiments, asserting that Shaibu’s legal action at the FHC in Abuja lacked merit. He emphasized that the constitution bestowed the panel with autonomy and safeguarded it from external influences.

The panel’s Administrative Secretary, George Odidi, previously announced that sessions would convene at the judges’ conference room of the New High Court Complex in Benin starting from yesterday. Parties involved or their legal representatives were expected to attend, with the complainant ready to present their case.

Notably, the panel underwent a recent reshuffling, with two professors declining to serve. However, Justice Okungbowa swiftly reconstituted it in adherence to constitutional provisions.

The new panel, still under the chairmanship of Justice Omonua, includes Prof. Theresa Akpoghome, Oghogho Ayodele Oviasu, Dr. Andrew Oliha, Idris Abdulkareem, President Aighokhian, and Mariam Erakhoba Ilavbare, signaling a renewed vigor in the investigation into Shaibu’s affairs.