DailyrecordNg …Nigeria's hottest news blog
Related Articles
The Chairman of Egor Local Government Council in Edo State, Eghe Ogbemudia, has been impeached by the Council’s Legislative arm.
Also removed from office was the Vice Chairman, Mr. Frank Osawe.
The impeachment took place on Friday afternoon during a plenary session at the Legislative Chambers, under the new leadership of Kelvin Eguakun as Leader.
Eghe Ogbemudia, daughter of former Midwest and Bendel State governor Brig-Gen. Samuel Ogbemudia, and Osawe were ousted on four charges of alleged gross misconduct.
These include abuse of office, financial misappropriation, unlawful withholding of statutory allowances for a principal member and three other councillors, and budget padding.
The motion for their impeachment was moved by Hon. Nosakhare Isiegbuwa and seconded by Hon. Stella Ogida Osagioduwa.
The process has been formalised in the Edo State Government Gazette, aligning with the recently enacted Egor LG Bye-law on Pre-Action Notices, Legislative Privileges, and Impeachment Proceedings for Elected Council Officials.
In the aftermath, the Legislative Council suspended its leadership team, including Hon. Bosede Omokaro (Leader), Hon. Iwinosa Enabulele (Majority Leader), and Hon. Amb. Elliot Inneh Enni (Chief Whip).
The newly constituted leadership, led by Kelvin Eguakun, acted swiftly upon receiving a signed petition from four council members demanding the removal of the chairman and vice chairman. Following the impeachment, Kelvin Eguakun was sworn in as Acting Chairman.
This development is the latest in a prolonged conflict between the chairmen of Edo State’s 18 local government councils and the State House of Assembly, as well as Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The chairmen and their deputies have been embroiled in a dispute over their refusal to provide account details to the State Assets Verification Committee, as directed by Governor Okpebholo.
In response, the Governor accused the officials of gross misconduct and insubordination, leading the State Assembly to impose a two-month suspension.
However, the suspension was voided by a Benin City High Court, presided over by Chief Judge Justice Daniel Okungbowa.
