The 18 local government chairmen in Edo State have expressed their disapproval of being suspended by the Edo State House of Assembly. They believe that the suspension goes against the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy. Along with their deputies, the chairmen mentioned a recent judgment by the Edo State Chief Judge and a court order preventing any action against them.
Led by Newman Ugiagbe, the chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria in Edo State, and the chairman of Orhionmwon Local Government Area, the officials held a press conference at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat in Benin to address the issue. Ugiagbe emphasized that they were elected by the people and not appointed, and their tenure should last until September 2026 as per their democratic election.
Ugiagbe pointed out that the suspension was triggered by a petition from Governor Monday Okpebholo alleging misconduct and insubordination by the council chairmen, citing a section of the Edo State Local Government Law. However, Ugiagbe argued that this section contradicts the Constitution’s guarantee of local government autonomy.
He referenced a court judgment declaring the section of the state law unconstitutional and void, emphasizing that any directive to dissolve or suspend elected councils prematurely was beyond the governor’s authority. The chairmen served a reminder of this judgment and an interim order restraining the state government from interfering in council affairs to the Speaker of the House of Assembly.
The chairmen urged security agencies to protect council assets and uphold the court’s decisions. In response, the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice defended the Assembly’s actions, stating that a panel of inquiry would determine the fate of the suspended officials.