There is palpable tension and an atmosphere of apprehension in Edo State over the removal of the leadership of some of the 18 local government areas (LGAs) of the state.
According to TheCable, the councillors have impeached the chairpersons and deputies of the Uhunmwonde, Orhionmwon and Owan east LGAs.
In Nigeria, ward councillors are members of the legislative arm of local councils vested with the power to remove or sanction local government chairmen.
The impeached chairpersons were accused of alleged misappropriation of funds and dereliction of duty.
During the impeachment of Kenneth Adodo, chairman of Uhunmwonde LGA, on Wednesday, violence broke out at the LGA secretariat.
Several persons were reportedly left injured and LGA properties were destroyed in the ensuing melee.
On the same day, councillors also impeached Aminu Okodo-Kadiri, chairman of Owan east; and Clement Ojebuovbo, his deputy.
On Thursday, crisis erupted in Orhionmwon LGA secretariat when some councillors impeached Daniel Osariemen, house leader of the legislative arm, over “unruly and inappropriate actions.”
Osariemen was accused of mobilising unknown persons to the council secretariat to take over the leadership.
On December 27, 2024, Eghe Ogbemudia, chairperson of Egor LGA; and Frank Osawe, his deputy; were impeached.
The crisis in the LGAs started when the Edo house of assembly suspended all the chairpersons and their deputies for two months over allegations of misappropriation of funds.
The Edo assembly took the decision following a petition written by Monday Okpebholo, governor of the state.
Since the move, four council chairpersons have been impeached by their respective legislative houses.
There are feelers that more council chairpersons are facing impeachment threats.
Few days after the suspension of the council chairpersons was announced, the attorney-general of the federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, faulted the suspension, saying the action was unconstitutional.
Fagbemi said state assemblies lack the power to suspend or remove council chairpersons — who can only be removed by the legislature at the local government level.
