An Edo State High Court has mandated the immediate reinstatement of local government chairmen and their deputies who were recently suspended. The ruling was handed down by Justice Efe Ikponmwonba on Friday, following a lawsuit filed by the affected officials contesting their suspensions.
The court issued an injunction that bars Governor Monday Okpebholo and the state Attorney-General from enforcing a suspension resolution by the Edo State House of Assembly. The judge emphasized the need to maintain the status quo as of December 12, pending the resolution of the motion on notice, which is expected to be heard on February 17, 2025. Justice Ikponmwonba instructed that notices be served to all involved parties.
The suspension, which took effect on Tuesday, was grounded in allegations of gross misconduct against the chairmen. In an address to the media, Speaker of the House Blessing Agbebaku disclosed that Governor Okpebholo had submitted a petition to the Assembly, accusing the local officials of failing to provide their councils’ financial records as required by state law.
Responding to the situation, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, asserted that state assemblies do not possess the constitutional power to suspend or remove local government officials. He underscored that such authority resides solely with the local legislative bodies, and the established protocol must be adhered to in any removal process.
As this legal battle unfolds, it raises pressing questions about the governance framework and adherence to constitutional due process within local government operations in Edo State.
