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A crisis is unfolding across the 18 local government areas in Edo State, following the impeachment and alleged forced resignation of several acting chairmen.
These removals occurred only hours after 63 elected councillors were issued Certificates of Return by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC).
Those who received the Certificates of Return around 7 a.m. on Monday had emerged victorious in a by-election held the previous Saturday.
The Chairman of EDSIEC, Hon Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, represented by Hon (Dr) Ikhuoriah Solomon, encouraged the new Councillors to prioritise proper representation of their constituents.
He stated, “The successful conduct of the 2025 by-election is not only a testament to the Commission’s efficiency but also a reaffirmation of the people’s trust in the democratic process. Today, as we celebrate the victors of that process, we are also reminded of the important roles they are stepping into to serve, to lead, and to bring meaningful development to their various wards.”
Reports indicated that councillors from different local governments signed the impeachment notices before proceeding to their respective secretariats.
To avoid being impeached, the Acting Chairman of Esan West, Hon Godsent Agboibo, submitted his resignation letter.
In the letter dated 22 September and addressed to the House Leader of the Esan West Legislative Chamber, Agboibo cited recent events as the reason for stepping down.
“As a loyal party man and committed supporter of our Governor, His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, and a man of integrity and peace, I hereby tender my resignation as Chairman with effect from 22nd September, 2025.
“Thanks for your past support during my tenure. I look forward to supporting whoever comes on board.”
In Etsako East, councillors reportedly signed an impeachment notice for the removal of Hon. Solomon Ogumah in Benin City on Sunday.
It was alleged that thugs had taken over the local government secretariat in Okpella.
Nine councillors voted to impeach the Acting Chairman of Uhunmwode, Hon. Osas Iradia Benjamin.
The impeachment notice read:
“We, the undersigned members of Uhunmwode Local Government Area Legislative Arm, hereby impeach you as the acting Local Government Council Chairman with effect from today, the 22nd day of September, 2025.
“This decision is a result of your abuse of office, high-handedness, embezzlement of Council funds, Anti-party activities, financial recklessness, forgery and constant disobedience to constituted authorities.”
The Acting Chairman of Etsako East, Solomon Oghuma, appealed to Governor Monday Okpebholo to intervene, warning that the action could spark disorder within the party.
He stated, “I was told that I should resign and that if I don’t resign, they will use the councillors to remove me.
“I have enquired from the House of Assembly, and they said they did not give any such directive, and I know it is the House of Assembly and the governor that have such powers.”
A former APC Edo North Senatorial Youth Leader, Dirisu Otinomo, also raised concerns that the situation could trigger an internal crisis within the party.
He said, “The people of Etsako East are not happy because somebody who is not from Etsako East is not the one who will foist a chairman of the local government, and if care is not taken, it could cause a crisis in the council. I am calling on the peace-loving governor of the state to stop this move.”
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