The Court of Federal Appeal in Akure, Ondo State, has overturned the expulsion of former Deputy Speaker Hon. Iroju Ogundeji, who had completed his tenure four years ago.
News About Nigeria reports that the court’s unanimous decision reinstated Ogundeji, reversing the Ondo State Assembly’s earlier removal order.
The judgement came four years after the suit was instituted as Ogundeji challenged his sack by the leadership of the ninth Assembly of the state, led by the former Speaker, Bamidele Oloyeloogun.
The ruling, delivered by Justices Oyebisi Folayemi Omoleye, Frederick Oziakpono-Oho, and Yusuf Alhaji Bashir, upheld a prior judgement by Justice Akintan Osadebey, which had also reinstated Ogundeji after his suspension and removal from office by former Speaker Hon. David Bamidele Oleyeloogun.
Ogundeji, who represented the Odigbo State Constituency, was suspended from the Assembly and removed as Deputy Speaker, completing his term under suspension.
Dissatisfied with the lower court’s ruling, the Assembly appealed, claiming procedural errors and lack of jurisdiction.
The appellate court dismissed the Assembly’s appeal, declaring Ogundeji’s removal unconstitutional.
The court ordered his immediate reinstatement, the restoration of his office paraphernalia, and payment of all outstanding entitlements.
Additionally, the court nullified the appointment of Aderoboye, who had replaced Ogundeji.
In its judgement, the three-man appellate court of Justices awarded Ogundeji N10 million in damages for the humiliation he endured during his impeachment and suspension.
The court also dismissed all other appeals brought by the Assembly and confirmed that Ogundeji should receive all entitlements due to him as a lawmaker and Deputy Speaker of the ninth Assembly.
