An Edo State High Court has ordered the immediate reinstatement of suspended local government chairpersons and their deputies in the state.
Presiding Judge, Justice Efe Ikponmwonba, on Friday issued an injunction preventing Governor Monday Okpebholo and the state Attorney-General from enforcing the suspension resolution passed by the Edo State House of Assembly.
According to reports, the suspended officials had filed a lawsuit challenging their suspension.
Justice Ikponmwonba ruled that the status quo as of December 12 must be maintained until the motion on notice, filed on the same day, is heard and determined. The court scheduled the hearing for February 17, 2025, and directed that notices be served to all respondents.
The suspension, enacted on Tuesday by the Edo State House of Assembly, was based on allegations of gross misconduct.
Speaker of the House, Blessing Agbebaku, revealed that Governor Okpebholo had petitioned the Assembly, accusing the chairpersons of failing to submit their councils’ financial records to the state government.
In response to the suspension, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, stated that state assemblies lack the constitutional authority to suspend or remove Local Government chairpersons.
He emphasized that only the legislative arm at the Local Government level has the power to remove such officials, and due process must be strictly followed in such matters.
VANGUARD
