The wave of impeachments continues to spread through Local Government Areas of Edo, following the face-off between Governor Monday Okpebholo and the elected Chairmen of the councils.
Just last week, the Chairman of Egor Local Government Council, Eghe Ogbemudia, was impeached by the Councillors who accused her of Budget-padding and other misconduct.
The latest to go are the Chairman of Owan East Local Government Council, Aminu Kadiri and his Deputy, Clement Ojebuovbo.
Eight of the 10 Councillors endorsed their impeachment.
The legislative members of the Council accused Kadiri of awarding contracts to his associates without payment and following proper procedures, misappropriated public funds, and disregarded the needs of the people.
The motion for their impeachment was moved by Friday Henry Oisawemi, representing Ward 7, and was seconded by Marcus Sunday of Ward 1.
Leader of the House, Haruna Mohammed who presided over the impeachment has since been sworn-in as Acting Chairman.
Sources are accusing the Edo State Government of instigating the impeachment of the Council Chairmen.
Recall that the State House of Assembly had on 17 December, 2024, suspended the 18 Council Chairmen and Vice Chairmen for a period of two months.
The suspension resulted from a petition to the House from the State Governor, who accused the Council Chairmen of gross misconduct and insubordination for falling to obey his order to submit their account reports to his government.
The State Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa however ruled against the suspension in a case brought to the Court by the embattled Council Chairmen.
The suspended chairmen were also invited by the Benin City office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), over allegations of miss appropriation of funds and shady contracts.
Reports indicate that fear has gripped the other 16 Council Chairmen over impending impeachment.
