Suspended Edo LG Chairmen Defy State Assembly, Insist Suspension is Illegal

The 18 suspended local government chairmen in Edo State have rejected their suspension by the State House of Assembly, describing the action as unconstitutional and a violation of court orders.

The chairmen, under the aegis of the Edo State chapter of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), addressed a press briefing on Wednesday in Benin City, where they insisted that neither the governor nor the House of Assembly has the authority to suspend or remove them from office.

The Edo State House of Assembly had, on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, suspended the council chairmen for two months over allegations of gross misconduct, based on a petition from Governor Monday Okpebholo.

Violation of Court Orders
Newman Ugiagbe, the chairman of Orhionmwon Local Government and state ALGON chairman, argued that the suspension violated subsisting court orders.

He emphasized that the tenure of the council chairmen, who were sworn in on September 4, 2023, would only end in 2025.

“The purported suspension by the House of Assembly is unconstitutional, ultra vires, null and void, and of no effect whatsoever,” Ugiagbe stated.

He disclosed that the Edo State High Court had issued restraining orders in suits filed against the state government and the House of Assembly, preventing them from dissolving or interfering with the tenure of democratically elected council executives.

Additionally, Ugiagbe referenced a Supreme Court judgment that prohibits state governors or assemblies from dissolving or interfering in local government administration.

Court Orders Ignored
Ugiagbe revealed that ALGON had reminded the Speaker of the House of Assembly about another court order, suit number B/3070s/2024, which granted the chairmen an interim injunction restraining the governor and the Assembly from interfering with their constitutional duties.

“The actions of the Edo State House of Assembly, based on the governor’s petition, are a nullity in the eyes of the law.

They also amount to contempt of court,” he declared.

Call for Security Deployment
The ALGON chairman called on security agencies to protect local government assets and ensure the safety of council secretariats.

He urged the deployment of security personnel to create an enabling environment for the chairmen to carry out their responsibilities as duly elected officials.

Background
InfoStride News recalls that the suspension of the 18 council chairmen and their deputies followed allegations by Governor Okpebholo, who accused them of insubordination and failing to submit financial account statements of their local governments to the State Asset Verification Committee.

The chairmen, however, maintain that they remain the legitimate leaders of their councils and will continue to perform their duties in accordance with the Constitution.