The Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), its Speaker, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, and the eighteen acting local government chairmen have filed a lawsuit against the recently impeached local government chairmen at the Edo State High Court.
The suit, marked B/3405/2025 and dated January 28, 2025, seeks judicial clarification on the validity of the local government structure following the suspension of the former chairmen and vice chairmen on December 17, 2024.
According to a statement, the claimants were asking the court to affirm that the suspension of the local government executives did not dissolve the democratic framework of governance in Edo State’s local councils.
They argue that, under Section 20(b) of the Edo State Local Government Law, 2000, the House of Assembly holds the authority to suspend local government chairmen and vice chairmen.
The claimants further assert that, based on Sections 11(3) and 14 of the Local Government Law, 2000, the leaders of the legislative arms of local councils are democratically elected and, in the absence of chairmen and vice chairmen, are entitled to manage the councils’ administration and financial affairs.
They seek a court order granting them access to local government funds to facilitate governance.
Additionally, the lawsuit seeks:
An injunction restraining the impeached chairmen and their associates from interfering in council administration.
A directive to the Edo State Government and financial institutions to grant the acting chairmen access to council funds.
A prohibition against unauthorized individuals operating local government bank accounts.
The case lists 19 claimants, including the Speaker and council leaders, against 23 defendants, including the impeached chairmen, the Edo State Governor, the Attorney General, and the Accountant General.
NDHA Chairman, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, emphasized that the lawsuit aims to ensure a smooth transition and prevent disruptions in local governance.
The court is expected to rule on the legal questions surrounding the authority of the acting chairmen in the coming weeks.
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