Jethro Ibileke/Benin

Justice Esohe Ikpomwen of a Benin City High Court on Thursday held that Mr. Osaro Obaze, remains the democratically elected Chairman of Oredo local government Council.

Ikpomwen made the declaration while delivering judgment in a case brought by Obaze, challenging his suspension and subsequent removal from office by governor Adams Oshiomhole and the State House of Assembly.

The judgement is however coming  less than two weeks to the expiration of his tenure as Chairman of the Council.

Delivering her judgement, the trial Judge observed that relevant Sections of the Constitution were not followed before Obaze was suspended from office.

The court also cleared the Council Chairman from allegation of financial recklessness levelled against him as reason for his suspension.

Obaze, in his reaction to the judgement, expressed hope that it would further strengthen democracy in the country.