The Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the 18 Local Government Areas in Edo State have issued an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing concerns over an alleged constitutional breach by the Edo State Government and the House of Assembly. They warn that if left unaddressed, the actions could lead to a severe crisis and chaos in the state.

The council officials accused the state government of unlawfully suspending all elected local government council executives without due process, describing the move as a violation of the Supreme Court judgment affirming local government autonomy.

The letter highlights that the suspension, carried out on December 17, 2024, was ordered by the Edo State House of Assembly under the directive of Governor Monday Okpebholo. The officials allege the suspension was executed under the guise of “misconduct” without fair hearings.

Despite a ruling by Justice Daniel Okungbowa, the Chief Judge of Edo State, which stated that the dissolution or suspension of elected council members by any state government or its agents is unconstitutional, the state government proceeded to issue a memo on December 19, 2024, enforcing the suspension.

The memo, titled “Suspension of Local Government Executives,” warned heads of departments and local government administrators against engaging with the suspended officials. It also threatened sanctions for non-compliance.

In their defense, the council officials sought redress in court, leading to a ruling by Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of the Edo State High Court, which declared the suspension null and void. The court also restrained the state government from further interference in local government operations until the case is substantively resolved.

The chairmen tried to resume office but were resisted by thugs and miscreants carrying dangerous weapons, preventing them from gaining access to their offices. Hence, this appeal to Mr. President to intervene, direct the Inspector-General of Police to enforce the Supreme Court judgment, and restore the elected officials to office.

The Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the 18 Local Government Areas in Edo State have issued an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing concerns over an alleged constitutional breach by the Edo State Government and the House of Assembly. They warn that if left unaddressed, the actions could lead to a severe crisis and chaos in the state.

The council officials accused the state government of unlawfully suspending all elected local government council executives without due process, describing the move as a violation of the Supreme Court judgment affirming local government autonomy.

The letter highlights that the suspension, carried out on December 17, 2024, was ordered by the Edo State House of Assembly under the directive of Governor Monday Okpebholo. The officials allege the suspension was executed under the guise of “misconduct” without fair hearings.

Despite a ruling by Justice Daniel Okungbowa, the Chief Judge of Edo State, which stated that the dissolution or suspension of elected council members by any state government or its agents is unconstitutional, the state government proceeded to issue a memo on December 19, 2024, enforcing the suspension.

The memo, titled “Suspension of Local Government Executives,” warned heads of departments and local government administrators against engaging with the suspended officials. It also threatened sanctions for non-compliance.

In their defense, the council officials sought redress in court, leading to a ruling by Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of the Edo State High Court, which declared the suspension null and void. The court also restrained the state government from further interference in local government operations until the case is substantively resolved.

The chairmen tried to resume office but were resisted by thugs and miscreants carrying dangerous weapons, preventing them from gaining access to their offices. Hence, this appeal to Mr. President to intervene, direct the Inspector-General of Police to enforce the Supreme Court judgment, and restore the elected officials to office.