The High Court of Justice, Civil Division, Court 2, in Benin City, Edo State, has granted a mandatory injunction on December 20, 2024, compelling the Edo State Government to reinstate the suspended Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of 18 Local Government Councils.
The ruling comes after the elected officials were abruptly suspended by the Edo State House of Assembly on December 16, 2024, sparking a legal battle that has captured the attention of the state and the nation.
The suit, brought forth by the affected Chairmen and Vice Chairmen, along with the Association of Local Government Councils (ALGON) Edo State Chapter, sought to immediately halt the suspension and maintain the status quo as it stood on December 12, 2024. The plaintiffs argued that the suspension should be put on hold until the Motion on Notice is fully heard and determined by the court.
In a packed courtroom, His Lordship Hon. Justice Efe Ikponmwonba presided over the case, carefully considering the arguments presented by both sides. After deliberation, the court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, ordering the Defendants – which include the Edo State Government, the Governor, Deputy Governor, Attorney General, Accountant General, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, Community, and Chieftaincy Affairs – to restore the status quo by reinstating the elected officials to their respective positions.
Furthermore, the court issued a restraining order, preventing the Defendants from implementing the controversial suspension of the Chairmen and Vice Chairmen, which was allegedly resolved by the Edo State House of Assembly.
The case has been adjourned to February 17, 2025, for further hearing, with a hearing notice to be issued and served to the Defendants.