The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has expressed strong objections to the recent suspension of local government chairmen in Edo State by Governor Monday Okpebholo. This suspension, affecting 18 local government chairmen and their deputies, was enacted on December 17 by the state House of Assembly at the governor’s request.
Governor Okpebholo cited allegations of insubordination and misconduct, claiming that the local officials failed to submit their financial statements as required. However, during a press briefing held at his office on Thursday, Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), asserted that the authority to suspend or remove local government chairmen rests solely with the legislative arm of local governments.
Fagbemi emphasized that, under the current legal framework, governors do not possess the unilateral power to suspend local government officials without adhering to established legal processes.
“I am aware that since July 11, when the Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgment, local government administration has taken a new turn, different from the old order,” he stated.
He further elaborated, “At any rate, we are still studying the situation, but before final reaction, it must be stated categorically and emphatically that for now, local government chairmen can only be removed through the legislative arm of the local government itself and not the State House of Assembly.”
Fagbemi’s remarks highlight the ongoing discussions regarding the balance of power between state governors and local government authorities, signaling potential legal challenges ahead as the situation unfolds.
