SANS, Lawyers, Clash Over LG Control In Edo State
A heated debate has erupted between legal experts and civil society organizations (CSOs) over the suspension of all 18 local government chairmen and their deputies in Edo State. The suspension, initiated by Governor Monday Okpebholo and the Edo State House of Assembly, has been described as unconstitutional by prominent lawyers and activists.
The crisis began on December 17, when the Edo State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Blessing Agbebaku, passed a resolution suspending the chairmen and deputies for two months. The assembly cited alleged acts of insubordination and gross misconduct as reasons for the decision. Despite objections during a contentious plenary session, 14 members voted in favor of the suspension.
In response, the affected chairmen, led by Hon. Newman Ugiagbe, accused the state government of acting in contempt of court. They referenced a prior ruling by Justice Daniel Okungbowa of the Edo State High Court, which barred the governor and the assembly from suspending or dissolving elected local government officials.
Legal practitioners, including Gloria Ekejuba and Emmanuel Okorie, echoed these concerns. Ekejuba called the suspension an overreach, likening it to the federal government attempting to suspend a state governor. Okorie labeled the action “null and void,” citing a Supreme Court judgment affirming local government autonomy.
Civil society leaders, including Omobude Agho of the Edo Civil Society Organization, condemned the suspensions as an attempt to undermine democratic governance. Agho urged Nigerians to resist any efforts to weaken local government institutions.
On Friday, the Edo State High Court II ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending further hearings, scheduled for January 17, 2025. Justice Efe Ikponmwonba issued an interim injunction restraining the state government from implementing the suspensions.
At the national level, Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) criticized the move, aligning with Supreme Court rulings that uphold local government autonomy. Senior legal experts, including Dr. Abiodun Layonu (SAN) and Amobi Nzelu (SAN), underscored the constitutional protections for local governments, calling the suspensions a breach of democratic principles.
“This is a blatant violation of the rule of law,” said Nzelu. “Governors cannot unilaterally dissolve elected councils. Such actions erode democratic processes and disregard constitutional provisions.”
The unfolding controversy highlights a longstanding battle over local government autonomy, with lawyers, CSOs, and state authorities now awaiting judicial resolution.
