A High Court in Edo State has ordered the reinstatement of the local government chairpersons and their deputies, who were recently suspended.
The presiding judge, Efe Ikponmwonba, issued a ruling on Friday, blocking the state governor, Monday Okpebholo, and the attorney general from taking further action based on a resolution passed by the Edo State House of Assembly.
The suit was filed by the suspended local government officials, challenging their removal.
Judge Ikponmwonba directed that the status quo be maintained as of December 12, pending a full hearing on the case. The court adjourned proceedings until February 17, 2025, and ordered that a notice be served to the respondents.
Earlier, on Tuesday, the Edo House of Assembly had suspended the chairpersons and their deputies for two months, accusing them of gross misconduct.
The suspension stemmed from a petition by Governor Okpebholo, who alleged that the chairpersons had failed to submit the financial records of their councils to the state government.
However, in a separate statement on Thursday, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, weighed in on the matter, asserting that state houses of assembly do not have the authority to suspend or remove local government chairpersons.
He emphasized that such actions must adhere to due process, and that only the local government legislature has the constitutional power to remove or suspend a chairperson.
