The judge emphasized that the purported impeachment was carried out without fair hearing and in contravention of relevant sections of the Nigerian Constitution and the Edo State Local Government Law.
Benin City, Nigeria – The Edo State High Court sitting in Igarra, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, has declared the impeachment of the council chairman, Hon. Taju Alade, as unconstitutional, null, and void.
The presiding judge, Justice B. A. Okoh, ordered Alade’s immediate reinstatement as the substantive chairman of Akoko-Edo LGA. The court further directed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure adequate security is provided to enable the embattled chairman resume duties without hindrance.
Justice Okoh, in a firm declarative judgment, faulted the process that led to Alade’s removal from office, describing it as a clear violation of due process and an affront to democratic principles at the local government level. He emphasized that the purported impeachment was carried out without fair hearing and in contravention of relevant sections of the Nigerian Constitution and the Edo State Local Government Law.
The state government, through its legal representatives, had argued that the Igarra High Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter. However, the judge dismissed the objection, affirming that the court possesses the constitutional competence to adjudicate disputes involving the fundamental rights of elected officials at the local government level.
Hon. Alade was controversially removed by a faction of the legislative arm of the council in late 2023 over allegations of financial mismanagement and abuse of office—claims he has consistently denied. Political analysts and civil society actors had, at the time, condemned the process as politically motivated and lacking transparency.
Following his removal, Alade approached the court, seeking redress and praying for an order quashing the impeachment. The judgment in his favour is seen as a victory for the rule of law and due process in local government administration.
Wednesday’s ruling may trigger political realignments in the council area, as supporters of the embattled chairman celebrated what they described as “justice long overdue.” Meanwhile, opposition voices within the local government’s legislative council are expected to consult with legal advisers on the possibility of an appeal.
Efforts to reach the Edo State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for comments on the ruling were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
This development comes amid increasing calls for constitutional reforms to insulate local governments from undue interference and ensure their autonomy, as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
Join our Channel...