Political Tension In Edo As Thugs Take Over LG Secretariat, Block Chairman’s Access

Suspected political thugs on Monday took over the Oredo Local Government Area secretariat in Edo State, preventing the council chairman, Tom Obaseki, from accessing his office.

The hoodlums, armed with weapons and chanting war songs, positioned themselves strategically around the secretariat, creating a tense atmosphere.

The embattled chairman, who had arrived to resume work, was forced to retreat and address journalists outside the premises.

Expressing his concerns, Obaseki said, “I came here to continue my work as the elected chairman of Oredo Local Government. I met a whole lot of thugs who have already overtaken the council.

“This is a very disturbing trend. We are calling on the security agencies to arrest the situation. What is important is that we have a restraining order.”

The development follows a ruling by the Edo State High Court on Friday, which nullified the suspension of Obaseki and 17 other council chairmen by the Edo State House of Assembly.

The Edo State House of Assembly suspended the 18 council chairmen and their deputies following a petition by Governor Monday Okpebholo in which he accused them of alleged insubordination and gross misconduct.

Meanwhile, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has said the Edo State House of Assembly lacks the constitutional right to suspend elected chairmen and vice chairmen of local governments in the state.