BENIN CITY – Political unrest escalated in Edo State on Tuesday as two local government chairmen in Uhunmwonde and Orhionmwon were impeached in controversial circumstances, sparking allegations of illegality, violence, and political maneuvering.
Violent Outbreak in Uhunmwonde
In Uhunmwonde, chaos erupted when gunmen allegedly attacked bystanders, leaving many injured. The council chairman, Kenneth Adodo, claimed that the attackers were policemen dispatched from the government house, though this assertion remains unverified. The incident further deepened the already tense political climate in the area.
Leadership Shakeup in Orhionmwon
Meanwhile, in Orhionmwon, the councillors impeached the Leader of the House, Hon. Daniel Osariemen, accusing him of colluding to oust the council chairman, Hon. Newman Ugiagbe, and his Vice, Midwest Ogbebor. Hon. Chuks Isan was immediately appointed as the new Leader of the House.
Osariemen reportedly led unidentified individuals to seize the council secretariat in Abudu, where he declared himself the Acting Chairman of the local government. In response, Chairman Ugiagbe, through his Press Secretary, Roy Osariemen, dismissed the move as unlawful and reaffirmed his position as the council’s legitimate leader.
Controversy in Owan East
Further compounding the crisis, Prince Aminu Okodo-Kadiri, Chairman of Owan East, decried his and his Vice Chairman’s impeachment as unconstitutional. Addressing the media in Benin City on Thursday, Okodo-Kadiri argued that the impeachment violated the Edo State Local Government Law of 2000 (amended in 2002). He detailed irregularities, including the absence of the legally required seven-member investigative panel and his exclusion from defending himself.
Okodo-Kadiri also accused the councillors of using an unofficial mace during the impeachment proceedings, undermining their validity. He contested allegations from the state governor that local council chairmen had embezzled ₦50 million intended for salaries, calling the claims baseless and unsupported by financial records.
Legal Battle Looms
Citing procedural flaws, including the participation of two suspended councillors in the impeachment process, Okodo-Kadiri vowed to challenge the decision in court. “This impeachment is politically motivated and a gross violation of due process,” he said, expressing confidence in the judiciary to reverse what he described as an illegal action.
Broader Implications
The turmoil in Edo State underscores the growing instability in local governance, with claims of political interference, violence, and corruption casting a shadow over democratic processes. The unfolding events will likely have far-reaching implications for the state’s political landscape and governance.
Observers await further developments, with legal battles and potential state interventions on the horizon.
