Co(II) Schiff base complexes derived by condensation of 4-amino benzoic and 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde was immobilized into layered double hydroxide, {LDH-[NAPABA-Co(II)]} and characterized by various techniques namely ICP-AES, SEM, TEM, EDX, XRD, FTIR, BET surface area, EPR, TGA, and DRUV-vis. spectroscopy. The structures of the Co(II) Schiff base complex are optimized by DFT calculations. The catalytic activity of the heterogenized Co(II) Schiff base complex for the oxidation of ethylbenzene using tert-butylhydroperoxide is studied under a solvent-free condition. Ethylbenzene upon oxidation gave benzaldehyde, acetophenone, and benzoic acid with 67.4% conversion of ethylbenzene and 99.57% selectivity of acetophenone. The catalyst is recyclable up to six cycles without notable loss of their activity.