The Edo State House of Assembly has suspended the chairmen and vice chairmen of all 18 local government councils in the state for two months. This decision, taken during a plenary session on Tuesday, follows Governor Monday Okpebholo’s petition accusing the officials of insubordination and refusal to submit financial records. The legislative arm also directed council legislative leaders to assume interim leadership.
Moving the motion for suspension, Esan North-East representative, Isibor Adeh, emphasized the need for accountability in public office, while 14 members of the Assembly supported the resolution. Speaker Blessing Agbebaku facilitated a detailed debate among members before directing a headcount to finalize the decision. However, six lawmakers opposed the motion, while three abstained.
The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) condemned the suspension, describing it as unconstitutional and a violation of the autonomy granted to local governments under Nigeria’s Constitution. Edo PDP Caretaker Chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, criticized the process, arguing that the chairmen were not given a fair hearing and that the Assembly had overstepped its authority. He called for the immediate reversal of the decision, citing a Supreme Court ruling that guarantees local government independence.
Supporters of the suspended officials have also raised concerns, suggesting that the governor’s directive undermines democratic governance. An anonymous local government chairman revealed that the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state would address the issue soon. He noted that the suspension has raised questions about the separation of powers and the rights of elected officials to operate without undue interference.
