The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has described the suspension of local government chairpersons and their deputies in Edo State as unconstitutional and illegal.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Mr. Fagbemi emphasized that the action violated the autonomy of local councils, as upheld by the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment on July 11, 2024.
“Under the present dispensation, the governor has no right to remove any local government chairman,” Mr. Fagbemi stated. He further clarified, “Since July 11, 2024, it has been established that the removal of local government officials is solely the prerogative of their legislative council.”
Earlier this month, Governor Monday Okpebholo directed the 18 council chairpersons to submit their financial statements from September 2023 to date. After they refused, the governor announced their suspension, a move condemned by the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
In a statement, the PDP questioned the legality of the governor’s actions:
“How can a governor direct the state assembly to suspend democratically elected chairpersons when these officials enjoy constitutional autonomy and independence?”
Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has initiated an investigation into the financial activities of the affected local government councils.
In a letter dated December 17, the EFCC summoned the chairpersons of nine councils—Akoko-Edo, Egor, Esan Central, Esan North East, Esan South East, Esan West, Etsako Central, Etsako East, and Etsako West—to appear at its office on December 19.
Chairpersons of the remaining councils, including Igueben, Ikpoba Okha, Orhionmwon, Ovia North East, Ovia South West, Owan East, Owan West, and Uhunmwode, were directed to report on December 20.
The anti-graft agency also requested certified true copies of staff strength and payroll documents, details of accounts for salary payments, and statements of those accounts from January 1 to date.
