By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi

The Court of Appeal in Akure, Ondo State, has reinstated Mr Iroju Ogundeji as the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, four years after he was removed.

The unanimous decision by Justices Oyebisi Folayemi Omoleye, Frederick Oziakpono-Oho, and Justice Yusuf Alhaji Bashir upheld the earlier judgment by Justice Akintan Osadebey.

Ogundeji, a two-term lawmaker representing Odigbo state constituency, was suspended and removed as Deputy Speaker by the state Assembly under former Speaker, Mr David Bamidele Oleyeloogun.

He served the remainder of his tenure in suspension.

Ogundeji’s lawyer, Oluwanike Omotayo Esq, challenged the decision in court, arguing that it did not follow constitutional requirements.

The court agreed, stating that the removal contravened the rules and standing order of the State House of Assembly, which requires a two-thirds majority for impeachment.

Justice Osadebey’s judgment ordered Ogundeji’s reinstatement as Deputy Speaker, describing his removal as illegal and null.

The court also awarded N10 million in damages for the humiliation suffered during his impeachment and suspension.

The Assembly appealed the lower court’s verdict, but the appellate court dismissed the appeal and ordered Ogundeji’s reinstatement, along with payment of all entitlements as a lawmaker and Deputy Speaker of the ninth Assembly.