The Edo State House of Assembly on Tuesday suspended the chairpersons and vice chairpersons of all 18 local government areas in the state for a period of two months, citing allegations of insubordination and gross misconduct.
The Assembly also directed the leaders of the legislative arms in the affected local councils to take over leadership during the suspension period. The decision followed a petition from Governor Monday Okpebholo, who accused the council leaders of defying his directive to submit financial records for scrutiny.
Governor Okpebholo, in his petition to the Assembly, alleged that the suspended officials had failed to comply with a 48-hour ultimatum issued on December 3. The directive required the council chairpersons to submit statements of account covering the period from September 2023 to date to the Edo State Assets Verification Committee. The governor described their failure to comply as insubordination and gross misconduct, urging the Assembly to intervene.
During Tuesday’s plenary, a motion for the suspension was moved by Isibor Adeh (APC, Esan North East 1) and seconded by Donald Okogbe (PDP, Akoko-Edo II). The motion triggered a heated debate among lawmakers, with opinions divided on the issue.
When the matter was put to a vote by Speaker Blessing Agbebaku, 14 members of the Assembly supported the motion, six opposed it, while three members abstained from voting. With the majority in favor, the resolution to suspend the local government chairpersons and their deputies was adopted.
The Assembly’s decision comes amidst growing concerns about transparency and accountability at the local government level in Edo State. The chairpersons’ refusal to submit their financial records has raised questions about the management of public funds and adherence to governance standards.
Following the resolution, the leaders of the legislative arms in the respective councils were instructed to assume leadership to ensure the continuity of governance and administrative operations during the suspension.
The development marks a significant escalation in the tension between the state government and local council authorities. Analysts believe the move reflects the state government’s commitment to enforcing transparency and accountability, but it may also deepen political rifts within the state.
Governor Okpebholo has yet to comment further on the suspension, while the affected council leaders are expected to respond in the coming days. Meanwhile, the Assembly has promised to monitor developments closely and take additional measures if necessary to uphold accountability in governance.
