Dr. Ope Banwo, a prominent lawyer and political analyst, has recently voiced his concerns regarding the Edo State Government’s handling of the case involving the assumption of office by Shaibu. In an interview with TVC, Banwo alleged that any request for a stay of execution should be directed back to Justice Omotosho, who issued the original ruling, or pursued through an appeal court.
Banwo argued that seeking different judges to obtain orders from courts of concurrent jurisdiction constitutes malpractice and undermines the integrity and respect for judicial proceedings. He emphasized that until a court rules on a motion for a stay of execution, Shaibu should be permitted to assume his office.
“I think it is an abuse of Court process for Lawyers to be getting alternative Judges to be ruling on the same case. I think it is despicable and it is not good for our profession,” Banwo stated. “If they are going to file a stay of Execution, they should go back to Justice Omotosho’s Court. That is the man that gave the ruling. So if you are going to file an appeal, you either ask for a stay of execution in an appeal court or before the Judge that issued the order.”
Banwo further criticized the practice of seeking orders from different judges, calling it malpractice that should be disciplined by the Nigeria Bar Association. He warned that such actions have the potential to lead to a breakdown of law and order.
“It’s malpractice for you to go to another Judge for them to be staying the order of a Court of concurrent Jurisdiction. It is a practice that the Nigeria Bar Association should really start disciplining lawyers for. Because it has the potential of leading to breakdown of law and order,” Banwo added.