The Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out the contempt charge against former Edo Deputy Governor Godwins Omobayo after he apologised and purged himself of contempt.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out contempt proceedings against former Edo State Deputy Governor Godwins Omobayo after he tendered an apology and purged himself of the alleged contempt.
Justice James Omotosho made the order on Friday, September 25, 2026, following an amicable resolution reached between Omobayo and Philip Shaibu, who had instituted the contempt proceedings.
Shaibu’s counsel, Ayotunde Ogunleye, SAN, applied for the withdrawal of the contempt charge after Omobayo’s counsel, Ken Mozia, SAN, informed the court that the parties had resolved their differences.
Omobayo subsequently read an affidavit and letter of apology in open court, expressing regret over his conduct and affirming that he did not intend to disregard the court’s judgment.
“I apologise wholeheartedly and I purge myself of this contempt,” Omobayo told the court.
In his affidavit, sworn on September 24, he stated that he did not intend to disregard the judgment delivered by Justice Omotosho on July 17, 2024, which ordered Shaibu’s reinstatement as Edo deputy governor.
Omobayo also undertook not to present himself as the former deputy governor or perform functions associated with the office in circumstances contrary to the court’s order.
Before striking out the charge, Justice Omotosho stressed the importance of protecting the authority and sanctity of the judiciary.
The judge said court orders must be obeyed regardless of the position held by any individual, warning that disobedience by public officials could undermine the rule of law and social order.
Justice Omotosho cited the Supreme Court’s decision in Military Administrator of Lagos State v. Ojukwu as an established judicial condemnation of executive disobedience to court orders.
The judge disclosed that he had prepared a ruling on the contempt application but decided not to deliver it after Omobayo’s counsel indicated that the parties had resolved the matter.
He said that, but for the resolution and the subsequent apology, he would have imposed a three-month prison sentence.
“The ruling is hereby vacated,” Justice Omotosho ruled.
The dispute dates back to April 2024, when Omobayo was sworn in as Edo deputy governor following Shaibu’s impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly.
On July 17, 2024, Justice Omotosho nullified Shaibu’s impeachment and ordered his reinstatement, holding that the state lawmakers had failed to comply with due process.
The judgment was delivered in suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/478/2024, filed by Shaibu against the Inspector-General of Police, Edo deputy governor, Attorney-General of Edo State, Chief Judge of Edo State, Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly and the Edo State House of Assembly.
Following the judgment, Shaibu initiated contempt proceedings against Omobayo over his alleged failure to vacate the deputy governorship position.
The contempt charge was dated September 13, 2024, and filed by Shaibu’s counsel on September 19, 2024.
With Omobayo’s apology and the parties’ reported settlement, the Federal High Court has now struck out the contempt proceedings.
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