In futile efforts, Edo LG chairs, vice secure order to restrain Okpebholo from sacking them

An Edo State high court, in Benin city, presided over by Honourable Justice Efe Ikpomnwonba has restrained the Edo State government, its privies, servants, gents, assigned or anyone acting for and whosoever described, on behalf of the Edo State government from giving directives, orders or inferring with, interrupting, obstructing and or disturbing the 18 Local Government Council chairmen from exercising their constitutional sovereignty and dominion over their bank accounts.

The order was issued after the House of Assembly suspended the local government officials on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.

The court order, analysts contended, could not stop an action that had already taken place, thus rendering suit to cure the mischief by the State Government an exercise in futility. The suit also appeared to have targeted other issues- State government being restrained from tapering with LG funds.

A fresh suit should be filed to pray the court to nullify their suspension and restrain their impending sack in the circumstance of developments at the court and the House of Assembly

The State House of Assembly had earlier on Tuesday, suspended all the Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the 18 Local Government Councils over allegation of misappropriation of funds.

The decision was taken during the plenary after a heated debate by the various lawmakers representing the local councils.

Meanwhile, the heads of the various legislative arm have been directed to oversee the running of the councils for the next two months.

As of the time of filing this report, it was not immediately clear whether the State Assembly or the executive arm would appeal this judgment.