The Edo State House of Assembly has suspended all 18 local government chairmen in the state, citing allegations of insubordination and gross misconduct. The suspension, which will last for two months, was announced during a plenary session on Tuesday following a petition from Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Reason for Suspension
Governor Okpebholo accused the chairmen of refusing to submit financial statements of their respective councils to the state government as mandated. He described their actions as both insubordinate and indicative of gross misconduct, urging the Assembly to take decisive action.
“This failure to provide financial records is a clear act of insubordination and gross misconduct,” the governor stated in his petition.
The House subsequently directed the leaders of the legislative arms in the affected councils to oversee the administration of their respective local governments during the suspension period.
Plenary Session Vote
The motion to suspend the council chairmen and their deputies was moved by Isibor Addeh, an APC lawmaker representing Esan North-East I. After deliberations, 14 members voted in favor of the suspension, six opposed it, and three abstained.
Background and Compliance Deadline
The suspended chairmen and their deputies were elected on September 2, 2023. On December 3, 2024, Governor Okpebholo had issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the submission of financial statements covering the period from September 4, 2023, to date.
The governor instructed that the accounts be submitted to the Assets Verification Committee through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG). The move, he said, was intended to enhance the committee’s ability to verify and assess council finances effectively.
Legislative Dynamics
The 24-member Edo State House of Assembly is dominated by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), signaling strong alignment with the governor’s call for action.
This suspension marks a significant escalation in the administration’s oversight of local government operations, emphasizing accountability and transparency in governance.
