Court dismisses suit against  Ondo Deputy Governor’s sack

A SUIT seeking the declaration of the impeachment of a former deputy governor of Ondo State, Alhaji Alli Olanusi, as unconstitutional has been struck out by a Federal High Court in Akure.

The application was brought by a lawyer, Olukoya Ogungbeje.

Justice Sani Ishaq,  while throwing out the case, held that section 251 of 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria empowers the Federal High Court to only hear of the matters that affect the Federal Government or any of its agencies and not state matters. He  thereafter transferred the case to the state high court.

Ogungbeje, who filed the suit for enforcement of fundamental human right of the former deputy governor had prayed the court to declare as unconstitutional, the setting up of a panel which looked into the impeachment process.

He asked the court to reinstate all his benefits and entitlements.

Respondents in the suit include the Ondo House of Assembly, its Speaker, Chief Judge of the state and Mr. Tunji Adeniyan.

The respondents through their lawyer, Mr. Stephen Akinrinsola, however, filed a preliminary objection asking the court to strike out the case for lack of jurisdiction.

The prayers of the respondents were granted by the court.