The Edo State House of Assembly has suspended the chairmen and vice chairmen of the 18 local government councils for two months, following allegations of insubordination to Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The suspension followed a petition from the governor, accusing the council leaders of refusing to submit their financial records to the state government.
Okpebholo described the chairmen’s actions as acts of insubordination and gross misconduct, prompting his request for the Assembly to address the matter.
When the issue was raised for debate, Mr. Isibor Adeh, representing Esan North East 1, moved the motion for the suspension, which was seconded by Mr. Donald Okogbe, representing Akoko-Edo 2.
The Speaker of the House, Mr. Blessing Agbebaku, insisted that all members contribute their views before proceeding.
Following the debate, the Speaker directed the Clerk of the House, Mr. Yahaya Omogbai, to conduct a headcount to determine the support or opposition to the suspension.
Fourteen members voted in favour of the suspension, six opposed it, and three members refrained from voting.
As part of the suspension, the House has mandated the leaders of the legislative arms to take over the leadership of their respective councils.
The governor had previously issued a directive on Tuesday, 3 December, for the council chairmen to submit their financial statements for the period from 4 September 2023 to the present within 48 hours.
This was to be done through the Assets Verification Committee, under the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
The directive was issued during a meeting with the council chairmen at the Government House in Benin City, where Governor Okpebholo was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa.
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