Papua New Guinea's National Court has reinstated Anderson Agiru as governor of Hela Province.
Mr Agiru was ousted by the provincial assembly in a vote of no confidence two weeks ago and replaced by MP Francis Potape.
But Mr Agiru sought reinstatement through the National Court, arguing that his ouster was illegal and that Mr Potape did not follow due process.
The Post Courier reports that the court yesterday reinstated Mr Agiru as governor, and barred Mr Potape from assuming the role, pending further court hearings in February.
Outside court, Mr Agiru urged Mr Potape and his supporters to put aside their differences and work with him.
But Mr Potape and his bloc have already pledged to boycott the next provincial assembly meeting, and plan to appeal against the court's ruling.