Drama in Edo LG: Councillors Impeach Suspended Chairman Ogbemudia
Eghe Ogbemudia, the Chairman of Egor Local Government Council in Edo State, has been impeached by the Legislative arm of the Council. Also removed from office was the Vice Chairman, Mr. Frank Osawe.
The impeachment was executed on Friday afternoon during a plenary session in the Legislative Chambers, under the new leadership of Kelvin Eguakun.
Ogbemudia, the daughter of former Midwest and Bendel State governor Brig-Gen. Samuel Ogbemudia, and Osawe were ousted on four charges of alleged gross misconduct, which included abuse of office, financial misappropriation, unlawful withholding of statutory allowances for a principal member and three other councillors, and budget padding.
The motion for impeachment was moved by Hon. Nosakhare Isiegbuwa and seconded by Hon. Stella Ogida Osagioduwa. This process has now been formalised in the Edo State Government Gazette, in accordance with the recently enacted Egor LG Bye-law on Pre-Action Notices, Legislative Privileges, and Impeachment Proceedings for Elected Council Officials.
In the aftermath, the Legislative Council suspended its entire leadership team, including Hon. Bosede Omokaro (Leader), Hon. Iwinosa Enabulele (Majority Leader), and Hon. Amb. Elliot Inneh Enni (Chief Whip).
The newly constituted leadership, led by Kelvin Eguakun, acted promptly after receiving a signed petition from four council members demanding the removal of both the chairman and vice chairman. Following their impeachment, Eguakun was sworn in as Acting Chairman.
This incident marks the latest escalation in a prolonged conflict between the chairmen of Edo State’s 18 local government councils and the State House of Assembly, as well as Governor Monday Okpebholo. The chairmen and their deputies have been involved in a dispute regarding their refusal to provide account details to the State Assets Verification Committee, as mandated by the Governor.
In response, Governor Okpebholo accused the officials of gross misconduct and insubordination, prompting the State Assembly to impose a two-month suspension.
However, this suspension was subsequently annulled by a Benin City High Court, presided over by Chief Judge Justice Daniel Okungbowa.
