The political crisis in Edo State, Nigeria, deepened on Wednesday, January 1, 2024, as councilors impeached the chairmen of Uhunmwonde, Orhionmwon, and Owan East Local Government Areas (LGAs). The impeachments followed the suspension of 18 council chairmen by the state House of Assembly over alleged insubordination to Governor Monday Okpebholo.
In Owan East, Council Chairman Aminu Okodo-Kadiri condemned his impeachment as unconstitutional, alleging procedural irregularities, including the use of an unofficial mace during the process. He refuted accusations of financial misconduct, particularly claims of misappropriating N50 million meant for salaries, and vowed to challenge the impeachment in court.
Uhunmwonde LGA witnessed violence as gunmen allegedly attacked bystanders. Council Chairman Kenneth Adodo accused policemen from the Government House of orchestrating the assault.
In Orhionmwon, councilors removed House Leader Daniel Osariemen, accusing him of colluding to impeach Chairman Newman Ugiagbe and his deputy. Ugiagbe, through his press secretary, denounced the impeachment efforts as illegal, insisting he remains the duly elected chairman.
The chairmen and the opposition People’s Democratic Party criticized the suspensions and impeachments, describing them as politically motivated and a violation of local government autonomy. Okodo-Kadiri expressed confidence in the judiciary, stating, “This suspension and impeachment are baseless and unconstitutional. I will rely on the courts to restore justice and uphold the rule of law.”
The situation remains tense as stakeholders await judicial intervention.
