Tension has gripped Edo State following the wave of impeachments and resignations of acting local government chairmen across the 18 councils.
The development erupted barely hours after 63 councillors, elected in last Saturday’s by-election, received Certificates of Return from the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) on Monday morning.
Chairman of EDSIEC, Hon Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, represented by Hon (Dr) Ikhuoriah Solomon, urged the new councillors to prioritise service and representation.
He said, “The successful conduct of the 2025 by-election is not only a testament to the Commission’s efficiency but also a reaffirmation of the people’s trust in the democratic process.
“Today, as we celebrate the victors of that process, we are also reminded of the important roles they are stepping into to serve, to lead, and to bring meaningful development to their various wards.”
Councillors across the state wasted no time in moving against the acting chairmen, signing impeachment notices in their legislative chambers before storming council secretariats.
In Esan West, Acting Chairman Hon Godsent Agboibo resigned to avoid being removed.
In his letter dated September 22 and addressed to the House Leader, Esan West Legislative Chamber, he said: “As a loyal party man and committed supporter of our Governor His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, and a man of integrity and peace I hereby tender my resignation as Chairman with effect from 22nd September, 2025.
“Thanks for your past support during my tenure. I look forward to supporting whoever comes on board.”
In Etsako East, councillors signed an impeachment notice against Hon Solomon Ogumah in Benin City on Sunday. The move triggered tension as thugs reportedly took over the council secretariat in Okpella.
At Uhunmwode, nine councillors also voted to remove Acting Chairman Hon Osas Iradia Benjamin.
According to the impeachment notice: “We, the undersigned members of Uhunmwode Local Government Area Legislative Arm hereby impeach you as the acting Local Government Council Chairman with effect from today the 22nd Day of September, 2025.
“This decision is as a result of your abuse of office, high headedness, embezzlements of Council funds, Anti-party activities, financial recklessness, forgery and constant disobedient to constituted authorities.”
Reacting, Acting Chairman of Etsako East, Solomon Oghuma, pleaded with Governor Monday Okpebholo to intervene.
He said, “I was told that I should resign and that if I don’t resign, they will use the councilors to remove me.
“I have enquired from the House of Assembly and they said they did not give any such directive and I know it is the house of assembly and the governor that have such powers.”
A former Edo North APC youth leader, Dirisu Otinomo, warned that the sack of chairmen could spark unrest within the ruling party.
“The people of Etsako East are not happy because somebody who is not from Etsako East is not the one that will foist a chairman of the local government and if care is not taken, it could cause crisis in the council.
“I am calling on the peace loving governor of the state to stop this move,” he said.