Akoko-Edo, Edo State – Hon. Tajudeen Alade, the chairman of the Akoko-Edo local government area, has publicly rejected reports of his alleged impeachment, asserting that he remains in office despite recent turmoil. In a statement released on Monday, Alade detailed a disturbing incident involving the invasion of his office by suspected thugs, which he claims was an attempt to forcibly seize control of the local government.
Alade has taken legal action, filing petitions with both the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) regarding the incident. He expressed frustration that, despite notifying high-ranking officials, including the Inspector General of Police and the Assistant Inspector General of Police for Zone 5, no action has been taken to investigate the matter.
A letter from Alade’s legal counsel, C. O. Osemeilu Law Firm, highlighted the involvement of approximately ten individuals in the incident, which resulted in the disappearance of several personal items belonging to the chairman, including a desktop computer and multiple laptops.
According to the letter, Alade was informed by a colleague that a group of individuals had stormed the Akoko-Edo Local Government Council Secretariat, forcibly entering his office and causing significant damage. The correspondence noted that the attackers not only ransacked the office but also made off with valuable equipment and personal belongings, including a yet-to-be-disclosed amount of cash.
Alade, who was in Benin at the time of the invasion, reported that prior intelligence from the DSS had indicated a potential threat to his office, prompting local police to increase security measures. However, he criticized the response of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), who allegedly claimed that the police were overwhelmed by the crowd and unable to prevent the looting. Alade pointed out that video evidence suggests that police officers were present during the incident but did not intervene.
In light of these events, Alade has called for a thorough investigation by security agencies and urged that all individuals mentioned in the petitions be summoned for questioning. As tensions rise in the local government, the situation remains fluid, with many residents and political observers closely monitoring developments.
