The Edo State House of Assembly has filed a lawsuit against the 18 suspended local government chairmen, seeking judicial clarification on its authority to suspend them under Section 20 of the Edo Local Government Law, 2000 (as amended).
The lawsuit, filed at the Edo State High Court in Benin under suit number B/34/2025, was instituted by the Assembly’s legal counsel, C. O. Edosa. The suspended chairmen, Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, and other officials are listed as defendants, while the Speaker, Chief Blessing Agbebaku, and councillors from the 18 local government areas are the claimants.
The claimants presented four key issues for determination and sought nine reliefs from the court. They argue that Section 20(b) of the Local Government Law grants the Assembly the power to suspend local government chairmen and their deputies. The lawsuit also questions whether the suspension violated any laws or undermined local government autonomy.
Additionally, the claimants seek clarification on whether, based on Sections 11(3) and 14 of the law, the legislative leaders of the 18 councils qualify as democratically elected members of their respective councils. They also want the court to determine whether these legislative leaders are entitled to manage local government affairs and control funds in the absence of the chairmen and their deputies.
Among the reliefs sought, the claimants want a declaration affirming that:
•The suspension of the chairmen did not dismantle the democratic structure of local governments in Edo.
•The Assembly has the legal authority to suspend the chairmen and their deputies.
•The leaders of the legislative arms of local government councils are legitimate elected representatives.
The defendants have 42 days to respond, either in person or through legal counsel. If they fail to enter an appearance, the presiding judge may proceed with orders deemed necessary.
Meanwhile, the court has granted a restraining order in favor of the suspended chairmen, placing a lien on all local government accounts in Edo and barring council officials from accessing funds until the substantive suit is determined.
The case is set for hearing on February 17 at the Edo State High Court, Benin.
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