An Edo State High Court in Benin has ordered the reinstatement of the suspended 18 local government chairmen and vice chairmen in the state.
The presiding judge, Justice Efe Ikponmwonba, on Friday granted the order following a suit instituted by the affected chairmen and vice chairmen.
The court, however, restrained Governor Monday Okpebholo and Edo State Government, Attorney General of the State and Commissioner for Justice, Accountant General of the State, among others from acting on the resolution of the state House of Assembly suspending the claimants.
Justice Ikponmwonba also ordered that the status quo, as at December 12 be maintained pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed on December 12, 2024.
“The Court orders a mandatory injunction compelling the defendant by themselves, their privies, servants, agents, howsoever named or described, to restore the chairmen and vice chairmen of the of their respective Local government councils,” the judge said.
The judge adjourned to February 17, for hearing and ordered that a hearing notice be issued and served on the defendants.
NEW DAILY PRIME reported that the Edo State House of Assembly had suspended the 18 LG chairmen and their deputies over alleged misconduct and insubordination.
The lawmakers took the decision following a petition filed against the LG chairmen by Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Okpebholo had in the petition, accused the local council bosses of insubordination for failing to submit their LGAs’ financial statements to him.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, had faulted the suspension of the LG chairmen, describing it as unconstitutional.
