A political crisis has erupted in Edo State’s local government areas, leading to the impeachment of two local government chairmen and growing tensions in the state.
On Wednesday, councillors from Uhunmwonde and Orhionmwon local government areas ousted their respective chairmen, intensifying political instability within the area.
Meanwhile, Aminu Okodo-Kadiri, the chairman of Owan East Local Government Area, rejected claims of his own impeachment, describing the process as illegal and unconstitutional.
In Uhunmwonde, chaos ensued after gunmen, allegedly policemen from the government house, reportedly attacked bystanders, resulting in multiple injuries.
The Uhunmwonde chairman, Kenneth Adodo, accused the assailants of being sent by the state government.
In Orhionmwon, councillors impeached the Leader of the House, Daniel Osariemen, who was allegedly leading an attempt to impeach the chairman, Newman Ugiagbe, and his deputy, Midwest Ogbebor.
The councillors replaced Osariemen with Chuks Isan. Osariemen had reportedly taken over the council secretariat in Abudu and declared himself acting chairman, a move that Ugiagbe’s supporters labeled as illegal.
Ugiagbe’s spokesperson, Roy Osariemen, maintained that Ugiagbe remained the legitimate chairman, calling the actions in Abudu unlawful.
Okodo-Kadiri, on the other hand, spoke out against the impeachment proceedings in Owan East, claiming they violated the Edo State Local Government Law of 2000.
According to Okodo-Kadiri, the legal requirements for impeachment, including signed allegations, a seven-member investigative panel, and the opportunity to defend himself, were not met.
He also contended that the mace used during the impeachment was not the official one, rendering the process invalid.
Dismissing claims of financial mismanagement, particularly the alleged misappropriation of ₦50 million for salaries, Okodo-Kadiri insisted the allegations were unfounded and pointed to clear bank records to prove no salaries were owed.
He further argued that the councillors involved in the impeachment had been suspended for misconduct, further invalidating their actions.
Okodo-Kadiri vowed to seek justice through the courts, believing the judiciary would restore his position and uphold the rule of law.
Efforts to contact the Edo State Police Command for comments on the incidents were unsuccessful, as the Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, did not respond to calls.
