The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a scathing condemnation of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s refusal to comply with multiple court judgments reinstating duly elected Local Government Chairmen across the state, describing his actions as “flagrant lawlessness” and “a direct assault on the judiciary.”
Speaking at a press conference in Benin City, the PDP warned that the Okpebholo-led administration is sliding into unconstitutional territory by continuing to defy valid court orders, which have declared the recent suspensions and impeachments of council chairmen illegal, null, and void.
The crisis stems from the Edo State House of Assembly’s attempt – allegedly at the behest of the governor – to remove elected local government officials, in direct contravention of a Supreme Court judgment affirming local government autonomy and the public position of the Attorney General of the Federation, who condemned such suspensions as unconstitutional.
Last week, two High Court rulings delivered major legal setbacks to the state government. In the case of Hon. Tajudeen Alade, Chairman of Akoko-Edo Local Government, Justice B.A. Okoh ordered his immediate reinstatement and directed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to provide security for him to resume duties.
Similarly, Justice O.M. Obayuwana of the Edo State High Court ruled that the impeachment of Hon. Zibiri Marvelous and Hon. Benji Ojietu, Chairman and Vice Chairman of Etsako West Local Government, respectively, was unconstitutional and violated Section 19 of the Edo State Local Government Law.
The court granted all declaratory reliefs sought by the claimants, nullified their removal, and issued a perpetual injunction restraining the state from interfering with their mandate. It also awarded ₦1 million in costs against the councilors responsible, describing their actions as illegal and politically motivated.
PDP State Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, accused the governor of “emboldening impunity” and “treating judicial authority with contempt.”
“The Constitution is clear. The courts have spoken. Yet the Okpebholo-led government persists in its illegal occupation of local council offices, even after the Supreme Court unequivocally ruled that state governors cannot remove elected local government Chairmen. This is a dangerous precedent that undermines democracy and the rule of law,” Aziegbemi said.
