Photo File: Hon. Wale Adedayo

In a landmark ruling, the Ogun State High Court 1, presided over by Justice Catherine Ogunsanya, on Wednesday, nullified the impeachment of Hon. Wale Adedayo as Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government.

The court declared the impeachment by seven local government councillors as “null and void.”

Adedayo had been allegedly removed from office after writing a letter accusing the Ogun State Government of failing to remit federal allocations to local governments in the state. Following the impeachment, Adedayo, through his lawyers from CitiPoint Chambers, led by Barrister Tesleem Adewuyi, challenged the decision in court.

Justice Ogunsanya ruled in favor of Adedayo, ordering that the Ijebu East Local Government pay him thirty million naira (N30m) in damages. The court also directed that Adedayo should receive all his entitlements as the duly elected local government chairman, effectively restoring him to office.

The ruling marks a significant victory for local government autonomy in Ogun State and underscores the judiciary’s role in upholding the rule of law against politically motivated impeachments.

“The impeachment carried out by the seven councillors lacked legal backing and violates due process. The claimant is entitled to restoration and compensation,” Justice Ogunsanya stated in her ruling.

Adedayo’s lawyers hailed the verdict as a triumph for justice and a warning against arbitrary removal of elected officials. The ruling is expected to set a precedent for similar disputes across local governments in the state.