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From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Barely hours after 63 Councillors who were elected at last Saturday by-election in Edo State were presented with Certificate of Return by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), crisis is said to brewing across the 18 Local Government Councils of the State over alleged forceful resignation of Acting Chairmen of the Councils.
The Councillors were presented their Certificates of Return at about 7 am yesterday in Benin City at an event where the Chairman of EDSIEC, Hon Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, represented by Hon (Dr.) Ikhuoriah Solomon, urged them to give proper representation to the people.
“The successful conduct of the 2025 by-election is not only a testament to the Commission’s efficiency but also a reaffirmation of the people’s trust in the democratic process. Today, as we celebrate the victors of that process, we are also reminded of the important roles they are stepping into to serve, to lead, and to bring meaningful development to their various wards”, Aifuobhokhan said.
It was learnt that Councillors from the various Local Government Councils had signed the impeachment notices before heading to their various secretariats, but in a bid avoid possible impeachment, Acting Chairman of Esan West, Hon Godsent Agboibo, tendered his resignation letter.
In the letter dated September 22 and addressed to the House Leader, Esan West Legislative Chamber, Agboibo said events of the last few days have made it imperative for him to tender the resignation.
“As a loyal party man and committed supporter of our Governor, His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, and a man of integrity and peace I hereby tender my resignation as Chairman with effect from 22nd September, 2025.
“Thanks for your past support during my tenure. I look forward to supporting whoever comes on board”, he said.
In Estako East, the Councillors were said to have signed impeachment notice for the removal of the Acting Chairman, Hon Solomon Ogumah in Benin City on Sunday, with thugs alleged to have taken over the local government secretariat in Okpella.
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In Uhunmwode Local Government Council, a total of nine Councillors reportedly impeached the Acting Chairman, Hon Osas Iredia Benjamin.
“We, the undersigned members of Uhunmwode Local Government Area Legislative Arm hereby impeach you as the acting Local Government Council Chairman with effect from today the 22nd Day of September, 2025.
“This decision is as a result of your abuse of office, high headedness, embezzlements of Council funds, Anti-party activities, financial recklessness, forgery and constant disobedient to constituted authorities”, the Councillors stated in his impeachment notice.
But Acting Chairman of Estako East, Solomon Oghuma, sensing the same fate, urged Governor Monday Okpebholo to stop the move saying it would cause chaos in the party.
“I was told that I should resign and that if I don’t resign, they will use the councilors to remove me.
“I have enquired from the House of Assembly and they said they did not give any such directive and I know it is the House of Assembly and the governor that have such powers”, he said.
Reacting to the development, a former Edo North Senatorial Youth leader of the APC, Dirisu Otinomo, warned that it could lead to crisis in the party.
“The people of Etsako East are not happy because somebody who is not from Etsako East is not the one that will foist a chairman of the local government and if care is not taken, it could cause crisis in the council. I am calling on the peace loving governor of the state to stop this move”, he said.
It was however gathered at the time of going to press that the Etsako East Local Government Acting Chairman has tendered his letter of resignation and expressed gratitude to the State Governor for the opportunity given him to serve.
