Edo State crisis intensify following the suspension of all 18 LG chairmen by Gov Okpebholo’s new administration

By Divine Sam

The political crisis in Edo State is intensifying following the suspension of all 18 local government chairmen by the state government, a move that has sparked a constitutional dispute. The situation has prompted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to issue a warning of an imminent breakdown of law and order, accusing the state government of undermining the rule of law.

The controversy centers around the suspension, which has been declared illegal by both the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, and the Edo State High Court. The AGF emphasized that only local councillors, not governors or state assemblies, have the constitutional authority to suspend or remove elected local government officials. Additionally, Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of the Edo High Court issued a mandatory injunction, declaring the suspension null and void and instructing that the state government refrain from interfering in local government operations until the case is heard.

Despite these legal challenges, Edo State officials have maintained that the suspension is valid. Barrister Andrew Emwanta, a member of the governor’s administrative panel, stated that local governments fall under state control according to the constitution, and financial autonomy does not grant local governments independence in how they manage funds. Kassim Afegbua, another panel member, countered the AGF’s stance, arguing that the AGF’s interpretation does not represent the full legal context as established by the Edo State House of Assembly.

The crisis escalated after Governor Okpebholo of Edo State issued an ultimatum demanding local council chairmen submit their financial statements directly to him. When the chairmen refused, citing an infringement on their financial autonomy, the governor petitioned the state assembly to suspend them for alleged “gross misconduct.”

PDP chieftain Hon. Ose Anenih condemned the actions of the state government as a rebellion against the rule of law and a challenge to President Tinubu’s push for local government autonomy. Anenih warned that the disregard for judicial authority and constitutional principles could lead to chaos, urging intervention from President Tinubu, security forces, and the judiciary to prevent further escalation. The situation underscores the ongoing tension between state and federal authorities regarding local government autonomy.