Edo LG Chairmen obey court order, resume office

Local government administration in Edo State moved closer to normalcy as suspended chairmen resumed office in compliance with a State High Court ruling.

The reinstated officials include the chairmen of Esan South East, Esan North East, and Etsako West local government areas, who received votes of confidence from their councillors.

The reinstatement follows an injunction by Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of the Edo State High Court, which declared the suspensions illegal and ordered the immediate reinstatement of the affected chairmen.

Describing the decision as a victory for democracy and the rule of law, Barrister Anthony Ehilebo, Special Adviser on Media to PDP gubernatorial candidate Asue Ighodalo, stated:

“The judiciary has once again demonstrated its role as a safeguard for democracy.”

“The illegal suspension of these chairmen violated their constitutional rights and undermined the autonomy of local governments.”

The reinstatement marks a significant political setback for Governor Monday Okpebholo, whose actions faced widespread criticism. However, the state government maintains that the suspensions were lawful.

Kassim Afegbua, a member of the state investigative panel, opined on AIT’s Democracy Today: “An injunction cannot restrain an action that has already been completed.”

Observers have praised the federal government for maintaining neutrality on the matter.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi received commendation for their commitment to democratic norms, which many see as bolstering local government autonomy.

Hon. Louis Imhandegbelo, chairman of Esan South East, expressed gratitude to the judiciary and his councilors, saying:

“We are grateful to the judiciary for standing firm on the side of justice. I particularly thank my fellow councillors for the unanimous vote of confidence. Our focus now is to deliver on the mandate given to us by the people.”