Tension Rocks Edo as Councillors Impeach Suspended LGA Chairs

• •Councillors impeach suspended Local Government Area (LGA) chairpersons.

• The impeached chairpersons were accused of misappropriating funds and dereliction of duty.

• Violence broke out during the impeachment of Kenneth Adodo, chairman of Uhunmwonde LGA

Tension has heightened in Edo State, Nigeria, over the leadership of the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

Daily Report Nigeria gathered that councillors have impeached the chairpersons and deputies of Uhunmwonde, Orhionmwon, and Owan East LGAs.

The impeached chairpersons were accused of alleged misappropriation of funds and dereliction of duty.

During the impeachment of Kenneth Adodo, chairman of Uhunmwonde LGA, on Wednesday, violence broke out at the LGA secretariat.

Though, several persons were reportedly left injured, and LGA properties were destroyed.

On the same day, councillors also impeached Aminu Okodo-Kadiri, chairman of Owan East; and Clement Ojebuovbo, his deputy. On Thursday, crisis erupted in Orhionmwon LGA secretariat when some councillors impeached Daniel Osariemen, house leader of the legislative arm, over “unruly and inappropriate actions.”

Osariemen was accused of mobilising unknown persons to the council secretariat to take over the leadership. On December 27, 2024, Eghe Ogbemudia, chairperson of Egor LGA; and Frank Osawe, his deputy; were impeached.

Recall that the crisis in the LGAs started when the Edo State House of Assembly suspended all the chairpersons and their deputies for two months over allegations of misappropriation of funds.

The assembly took the decision following a petition written by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

Since the move, four council chairpersons have been impeached by their respective legislatures.

More council chairpersons are facing impeachment threats. Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation, had faulted the suspension of the council chairpersons.

Fagbemi stated that state assemblies lack the power to suspend or remove council chairpersons, who can only be removed by the legislature at the local government level.

READ ALSO: 13 Passengers Burnt To Death In Ondo Road Crash

Recall that Ondo State Government has imposed indefinite suspension on all activities of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW  across the state.

Durring new violence that broke out this morning, One person was feared killed this while two others were shot by members loyal to factions in the union.

READ FULL STORY HERE