The legislative arms of Egor Local Government Area in Edo State have impeached both the council chairman, Eghe Ogbemudia, and the vice chairman, Frank Osawe.
The move was made after a series of allegations against the officials, including gross misconduct, abuse of office, financial misappropriation, and unlawful withholding of statutory allowances for a principal member and three other council members, along with accusations of budget padding.
In addition to the impeachment of the chairman and vice chairman, the legislative body also suspended several key officials. These included Bosede Omokaro, the leader of the legislative arms, Iwinosa Enabulele, the Majority Leader, and Elliot Inneh Enni, the Chief Whip. The suspensions were linked to their failure to collaborate effectively with the local government chairmen, delays in paying councillors’ salaries, and neglect of responsibilities, including inadequate oversight.
The motion for impeachment was introduced by Nosakhare Isiegbuwa, seconded by Stella Ogida Osagioduwa, and supported by four other legislators. The suspension of the principal officers was passed by five members of the legislative arm, with one member absent.
Following the impeachment, the House immediately swore in Kelvin Eguakun as the acting chairman of the council. Eguakun, who is also the leader of the legislative arm, will now take on the role of overseeing council affairs.
Nosakhare Isiegbuwa, during the plenary session on Friday, December 27, 2024, moved the motion for the impeachment, citing a report from a seven-member panel that investigated the allegations against the chairman and vice chairman. The panel found them guilty of all charges, leading to the unanimous vote for their impeachment.
The impeachment proceedings have been officially documented in the Edo State Government Gazette, which includes a formal notification to the affected officials. The document also outlined the initiation of the impeachment process in accordance with the Edo Local Government Bye-law on Pro-Action Notices, Legislative Privileges, and Impeachment Procedures For Elected Council Officials, 2024.
