The court restrained Governor Monday Okpebholo, the Edo State Government, and the State House of Assembly from acting on the resolution that suspended the council officials.
Benin City, Nigeria – A High Court sitting in Benin City, Edo State, has ordered the immediate reinstatement of the suspended chairmen and vice chairmen of all 18 local government councils in the state.
The ruling was delivered on Friday by Justice Efe Ikponmwonba in suit number B/307/OS/24, filed by the affected officials.
The court restrained Governor Monday Okpebholo, the Edo State Government, and the State House of Assembly from acting on the resolution that suspended the council officials. Justice Ikponmwonba directed that the status quo ante bellum, as of December 12, be maintained pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
The case has been adjourned to February 17, 2025, for hearing, with the judge ordering that a hearing notice be issued and served on the defendants.
Reacting to the ruling, Tajudeen Alade, Vice Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Edo State, expressed appreciation for the court’s decision and the comments by Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi. Alade described the developments as a positive step toward strengthening democracy in the country.
Alade said, “The Attorney General’s statement shows a commitment to rescuing Nigeria’s democracy. We are deeply appreciative of this ruling and believe it will inspire us to continue delivering democratic dividends to our people, despite prevailing economic challenges.”
He affirmed the chairmen’s readiness to work in harmony with Governor Okpebholo for the development of the state, dismissing any allegations of misconduct or insubordination.
“The state governor remains our leader, and we will continue to respect him. The idea of misconduct or insubordination is unfounded. We understand the need for collaboration between the state and local governments to ensure Edo moves forward,” Alade said.
He also called on the House of Assembly to reconsider its actions, emphasizing that the court’s decision was not to favor the chairmen but to uphold democratic principles.
The chairmen pledged to resume their duties with renewed vigor, focusing on delivering governance to the people of Edo State.
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