In a shocking display of lawlessness, thugs allegedly loyal to the Edo State Government were seen invading local government council offices across the state, preventing reinstated chairmen and their deputies from resuming office. Armed with sticks and other dangerous weapons, the thugs reportedly disrupted activities in Oredo, Egor, and other local government areas, creating chaos and fear among staff and residents.

This brazen action comes despite clear warnings from the federal government, issued through the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, reiterating the unconstitutionality of the suspension of the local government officials.

Last Friday, the Federal High Court in Benin had quashed the suspension of the council chairmen and their deputies, declaring the action illegal. The ruling aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s stance on local government autonomy, a central part of his governance reforms. The federal government had made it unequivocally clear that such actions violate the Constitution and undermine the principle of grassroots democracy.

Governor Monday Okpevbolo, however, appears to be doubling down on his defiance. His refusal to comply with the court ruling and the federal directive has escalated tensions in the state, with many viewing his actions as an open challenge to President Tinubu’s authority.

The invasion of council offices by armed thugs is seen as a deliberate attempt to intimidate elected officials and prevent them from resuming their constitutionally protected duties. This act not only undermines the rule of law but also highlights the governor’s apparent disregard for democratic principles and the autonomy of local governments.

The events in Edo State signal a brewing confrontation between Governor Okpevbolo and the federal government. President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening local governance has been a cornerstone of his administration, and the actions in Edo directly undermine this agenda. Critics argue that the governor’s defiance is a deliberate provocation, aimed at undermining the President’s authority and his flagship policy on local government reforms.

Observers have called for urgent federal intervention to restore order and uphold the rule of law in Edo State. The use of violence and intimidation to suppress democratic governance poses a serious threat to the nation’s democratic fabric and must be addressed decisively.

As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on Edo State, where the actions of Governor Okpevbolo are being closely scrutinized. Nigerians are watching to see if the federal government will step in to enforce the court ruling and protect the autonomy of local governments, a cornerstone of the country’s democracy.