EDO: LG crisis deepens as more chairmen face impeachment

Several individuals were reportedly injured when gunmen allegedly stormed the Uhunmwode Local Government Council headquarters in Egor.

The council chairman, Kenneth Adodo, accused policemen from the Edo State Government House of being involved in the incident.

This development follows the impeachment of Uhunmwode and Orhionmwon council chairmen by their respective councillors.

In Owan East, Chairman Prince Aminu Okodo-Kadiri swiftly condemned his impeachment as unconstitutional.

He stated that both his removal and that of his vice, Hon. Clement Ojebuovbo, violated legal procedures outlined in the Edo State Local Government Law of 2000 (amended in 2002).

Okodo-Kadiri noted procedural irregularities, including the absence of the required seven-member investigative panel and the use of an unofficial mace during the process.

He also highlighted the involvement of two suspended councillors, which he argued invalidated the impeachment.

He dismissed allegations from Governor Monday Okpebholo that council chairmen embezzled ₦50 million meant for salaries, stating that bank records prove salaries were paid up to November and no funds were missing.

In Orhionmwon, councillors impeached House Leader Hon. Daniel Osariemen, replacing him with Hon. Chuks Isan.

The councillors claimed Osariemen was mobilized to impeach Chairman Hon. Newman Ugiagbe and Vice Chairman Midwest Ogbebor.

Meanwhile, Osariemen allegedly led a group to take over the council’s secretariat in Abudu, declaring himself acting chairman.

The Chief Press Secretary to Orhionmwon LG Chairman, Roy Osariemen, called the actions illegal, insisting Ugiagbe remains the legitimate chairman.

Recall that three weeks ago, the Edo State House of Assembly suspended all 18 local government chairmen and vice chairmen for two months, citing insubordination for failing to submit financial records.

The resolution, passed by a majority vote, mandated legislative leaders to assume council leadership temporarily.

Governor Okpebholo had petitioned the House, accusing the chairmen of misconduct and urging action.

Following deliberations, Speaker Blessing Agbebaku ordered a headcount to finalize the decision.

As the situation escalates, observers await the courts’ intervention to resolve the ongoing disputes.