The Edo State House of Assembly has suspended the chairmen and vice chairmen of all 18 Local Government Areas in the state for two months, citing allegations of gross misconduct and insubordination.
The assembly ordered the affected officials to transfer the administration of their councils to the legislative leaders of their respective local governments.
This decision was triggered by a letter from Governor Sen. Monday Okpebholo, accusing the council leaders of insubordination after they reportedly failed to submit financial records covering the period from September 23, 2022, to date, as directed. However, the council officials resisted the directive, arguing that their financial autonomy was guaranteed by a Supreme Court judgment.
During the plenary session on Tuesday, Speaker Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku presided over deliberations that culminated in the adoption of a motion to suspend the officials. The motion, moved by Hon. Isibor Adeh (Esan North East I) and seconded by Hon. Donald Okogbe (Akoko-Edo II), cited Section 20(b) of the Local Government Act, which empowers the state assembly to suspend local government officials for two months pending investigation.
The governor’s petition, dated December 16 and titled “Insubordination and Gross Misconduct by the 18 Local Government Chairmen Over Their Refusal to Submit Financial Records for Scrutiny,” prompted the legislative action. However, the session became heated, leading to a rowdy debate. Out of the 24 assembly members, 14 voted in favour of the suspension, six opposed it, and three abstained.
Majority Leader Hon. Charity Aigueobarhugia opposed the motion, cautioning that the assembly should provide the council leaders with a fair hearing. She proposed inviting the officials to defend themselves before the Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs rather than imposing an immediate suspension.
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria has reportedly rejected the suspension, citing a state high court ruling that invalidated the law underpinning such actions. ALGON further referenced a Supreme Court judgment, asserting that local governments are autonomous and not subject to state interference. The association indicated that the suspended officials might not comply with the assembly’s directive.
The state chapter of the People’s Democratic Party has also condemned the suspension, describing it as unconstitutional. The party’s state chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, called on the suspended officials to resume their duties, arguing that neither the governor nor the state assembly has the authority to suspend or dissolve elected local government councils.
Aziegbemi emphasised that the council leaders had secured a court order restraining the assembly from suspending or dissolving the councils, which he said was blatantly ignored. He also cited the Supreme Court’s affirmation of financial autonomy for local governments, accusing the assembly of acting in violation of the law.
“The assembly’s action is null and void. The Federal Government should ensure compliance with the Apex Court’s ruling by withholding allocations meant for the 18 local governments until the chairmen and vice chairmen are reinstated,” Aziegbemi said.
The suspension has ignited widespread debate across the state, with legal and political observers closely monitoring the unfolding drama. Many anticipate a protracted legal battle as both sides dig in, leaving the fate of the affected councils uncertain. The coming weeks are expected to shed light on whether the assembly’s decision will withstand legal scrutiny or if the courts will intervene to overturn the suspension.
