By Jethro Ibileke
A wave of impeachment is gradually sweeping through the 18 Local Government Areas of Edo following the face-off between the State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, and the elected Chairmen of the Councils.
Just last week, the Chairman of Egor Local Government Council, Eghe Ogbemudia, was impeached by the Councillors, who accused her of Budget Padding and other misconduct.
The latest victims are the Chairman of Owan East Local Government Council, Aminu Kadiri and his Deputy, Clement Ojebuovbo.
Eight of the 10 Councillors endorsed their impeachment.
The legislative members of the Council accused Kadiri of awarding contracts to his associates without payment and following proper procedures, misappropriating public funds, and disregarding the people’s needs.
The motion for their impeachment was moved by Friday Henry Oisawemi, representing Ward 7, and was seconded by Marcus Sunday of Ward 1.
Leader of the House, Haruna Mohammed who presided over the impeachment had since been sworn-in as Acting Chairman.
Sources in the know are accusing the State Government of instigating the impeachment of the Council Chairmen.
Recall that the State House of Assembly had on 17 December 2024, suspended the 18 Council Chairmen and Vice Chairmen for two months.
The suspension resulted from a petition to the House from the State Governor, who accused the Council Chairmen of gross misconduct and insubordination for failing to obey his order to submit their account reports to his government.
The State Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa however ruled against the suspension in a case brought to the Court by the embattled Council Chairmen.
The suspended chairmen were also invited by the Benin City office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), over allegations of misappropriation of funds and shady contracts.
Reports indicate that fear has gripped the other 16 Council Chairmen over impending impeachment.