Follow Us on Google
From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Barely hours after 63 councillors who were elected in last Saturday’s by-election in Edo State were presented with Certificate of Return by the State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), crisis is brewing across the 18 local government councils of the state over alleged forceful resignation of acting chairmen of the councils.
The councillors were presented with their certificates of return at about 7am yesterday in Benin City at an event where the Chairman of EDSIEC, Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, represented by 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 to avoid possible impeachment, acting chairman of Esan West, 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 had made it imperative for him to resign.
“As a loyal party man and committed supporter of our Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and a man of integrity and peace, I hereby tender my resignation as chairman with effect from September 22. Thanks for your past support during my tenure. I look forward to supporting whoever comes on board.”
In Etsako East, the councillors were said to have signed an impeachment notice for the removal of the acting chairman, Solomon Ogumah in Benin City on Sunday, with thugs alleged to have taken over the local government secretariat in Okpella.
In Uhunmwode Local Government Council, nine councillors reportedly impeached the acting chairman, Osas Iredia Benjamin.
“We, the undersigned members of Uhunmwode Local Government Legislative Arm hereby impeach you as the acting local government council chairman with effect from today, September 22.
“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 disobedience to constituted authorities,” the councillors stated in the impeachment notice.
But, Oghuma, sensing the same fate, urged Governor 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 councillors 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 Youth leader of the APC, Dirisu Otinomo, warned that it could lead to a 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 a 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 the 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.
