An Akure High Court, yesterday, nullified the suspension of four members of the Ondo State House of Assembly for gross misconduct against the standing rules of the House.

The presiding judge, Justice Ademola Bola, in his verdict, described the suspension as illegal, null and void, adding that the Assembly had no powers to suspend any member.

The Judge declared that the suspension of the four lawmakers violated Sections 90, 91, 106 and 117 of the 1999 constitution, ruling that the four lawmakers must be reinstated into their various positions with immediate effect. He also ordered that the sum of N5 million should be paid to each of the lawmakers by the Assembly as damages.

The lawmakers comprising the Deputy Speaker, Ogundeji Iroju; the only woman in the House, Favour Tomomowo; Wale Williams and Tomide Akinribido representing Ondo Constituencies I and II, respectively, were suspended following series of intrigues that trailed the botched impeachment of the Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi.

They headed to court to seek redress, saying they were being witch-hunted by the leadership of the Assembly for refusing to sign the impeachment notice to the deputy governor.

In his reaction to the judgment, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kola Olawoye, described the ruling as no victor no vanquished.

He urged members of the Assembly to unite and work for the progress of the state. On his part, Iroju also charged all members of the Assembly to work together and ensure that they operate independently according to the provisions of the constitution.