Tension in Edo as councillors impeach suspended LGA chairs

Tension has heightened in Edo over the leadership of the 18 LGAs of the state. 

TheCable understands that councillors have impeached the chairpersons and deputies of the Uhunmwonde, Orhionmwon and Owan east LGAs.

Ward councillors are members of the legislative arm of LGAs in Nigeria.

The impeached chairpersons were accused of alleged misappropriation of funds and dereliction of duty.

During the impeachment of Kenneth Adodo, chairman of Uhunmwonde LGA, on Wednesday, violence broke out at the LGA secretariat.

Several persons were reportedly left injured and LGA properties were destroyed in the ensuing melee.

On the same day, councillors also impeached Aminu Okodo-Kadiri, chairman of Owan east; and Clement Ojebuovbo, his deputy.

On Thursday, crisis erupted in Orhionmwon LGA secretariat when some councillors impeached Daniel Osariemen, house leader of the legislative arm, over “unruly and inappropriate actions”.

Osariemen was accused of mobilising unknown persons to the council secretariat to take over the leadership.

On December 27, 2024, Eghe Ogbemudia, chairperson of Egor LGA; and Frank Osawe, his deputy; were impeached.

The crisis in the LGAs started when the Edo house of assembly suspended all the chairpersons and their deputies for two months over allegations of misappropriation of funds.

The Edo assembly took the decision following a petition written by Monday Okpebholo, governor of the state.

Since the move, four council chairpersons have been impeached by their respective legislatures.

TheCable understands that more council chairpersons are facing impeachment threats.

Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation, had faulted the suspension of the council chairpersons.

Fagbemi said state assemblies lack the power to suspend or remove council chairpersons — who can only be removed by the legislature at the local government level.