Edo State’s LGA crisis deepens as councillors impeach suspended chairpersons and deputies amidst allegations of fund mismanagement. Violence erupts at council secretariats as Governor Okpebholo’s battle for control faces new challenges.
Tension in Edo State has escalated as local government councilors intensify efforts to unseat suspended chairpersons and deputies across multiple local government areas (LGAs). This latest move follows the failure of an earlier plan to sack the chairpersons, elected under the dispensation of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s predecessor, due to intervention from the Attorney General of the Federation.
In a series of impeachment actions, councilors have removed the chairpersons and deputies of Uhunmwonde, Orhionmwon, and Owan East LGAs. The impeachments, carried out amidst allegations of fund misappropriation and dereliction of duty, have been marked by violence and unrest.
At the Uhunmwonde LGA secretariat on Wednesday, the impeachment of Chairman Kenneth Adodo led to chaos, leaving several people injured and government properties destroyed.
Similarly, Aminu Okodo-Kadiri, chairman of Owan East, and his deputy Clement Ojebuovbo, were impeached the same day.
In Orhionmwon LGA, the crisis deepened when councillors impeached the house leader, Daniel Osariemen, over alleged misconduct and accusations of mobilizing unknown individuals to disrupt council activities.
The turmoil traces back to December 2024 when the Edo State House of Assembly, acting on a petition from Governor Monday Okpebholo, suspended all LGA chairpersons and their deputies for two months over allegations of mismanagement. This decision was challenged by the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, who stated that state assemblies lack the constitutional authority to suspend or remove council chairpersons.
Despite this intervention, local councillors, empowered as the legislative arm of LGAs, have taken matters into their own hands, resulting in the impeachment of four council chairpersons so far, including Eghe Ogbemudia (Egor LGA) and her deputy, Frank Osawe, on December 27.
With tensions high and councilors emboldened, more chairpersons are reportedly facing impeachment threats. Governor Okpebholo’s perceived strategy to assert control over LGAs has further strained political relations within the state.
The unrest in Edo’s LGAs underscores the power struggle between state and local government authorities. While the governor continues to push for accountability, critics argue that the actions have plunged the LGAs into chaos, threatening governance and stability at the grassroots level.
