PDP Kicks As Okpebholo Insists On Suspension Of Edo LG Chairmen

Edo State officials have firmly stated that local governments in the state are still under the control of the state government, rejecting the recent Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy.

They argue that the court overstepped its jurisdiction and that the Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, cannot overturn laws passed by the Edo State House of Assembly.

On Monday, officials from Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration reiterated that the state government has the right to oversee local government activities. This statement came after Fagbemi’s comments last Thursday, in which he stated that the Edo State House of Assembly lacked the constitutional authority to suspend elected local government officials. This was in response to the assembly’s decision to suspend the chairmen and vice-chairmen of the state’s 18 local government areas for two months. The assembly also directed the legislative leaders of the local governments to take over their duties.

The dispute started when Governor Okpebholo demanded that local council chairmen submit their financial reports directly to him within 48 hours. After the chairmen refused, the governor petitioned the state assembly to suspend them, citing “gross misconduct” under Edo’s Local Government Law. However, on December 19, Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of the Edo High Court ruled that the suspension was unlawful, nullifying it and barring the state from interfering with local government operations until the full case is heard.

Despite the court ruling, Edo State officials are standing by their decision. Andrew Emwanta, the Special Adviser to Governor Okpebholo on Legal Matters, appeared on Channels Television to explain that the constitution clearly places local governments under state control. He argued, “The Constitution has placed local governments under state control, and that remains the law,” accusing the Supreme Court of going beyond its powers. Emwanta also clarified, “Financial autonomy is about giving them access; but that does not mean state governments do not have control over how they use that money.”

Kassim Afegbua, a member of the governor’s legal team, criticized the Attorney General’s position, asserting that while Fagbemi represents federal law, he does not have authority over laws passed by the Edo House of Assembly. “Lateef Fagbemi might be the law officer of the federation, but he does not represent the constitution of the country and he does not represent other laws made validly under the provisions of the constitution by the Edo House of Assembly,” Afegbua said.

Fred Itua, the Governor’s spokesperson, also defended the actions of the state government. He stated that the decisions made by both the Governor and the Edo State House of Assembly are legally sound. “The House of Assembly has the powers to oversight the activities of the Governor, and similarly, the Governor has the right to exercise oversight over local government chairmen,” Itua added. He further explained that while the Supreme Court may make policy decisions, it cannot change the constitution.

Meanwhile, opposition members are condemning the actions of the Edo State government. Ose Anenih, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accused the state government of defying the rule of law and undermining the presidency’s authority. He stated, “It is bewildering to see an APC governor—one of his own—leading this insurrection against both the Judiciary and the Presidency. How can a state openly defy a Supreme Court ruling, dismiss the Attorney General’s directives, and undermine the President’s flagship policy?”

Anenih also warned that the Edo State government’s actions could set a dangerous precedent for disregarding court orders, which could lead to chaos. He called on President Bola Tinubu, security forces, and the judiciary to intervene before the situation escalates further. “When elected officials decide which court orders to obey and which to ignore, we edge closer to anarchy,” he said, urging for immediate intervention to avoid a breakdown of law and order.

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