The High Court in Benin City, Edo State, has reinstated the suspended chairmen and vice chairmen of the 18 local government councils in the state. Justice Efe Ikponmwonba delivered the ruling on Friday, granting the order in response to a lawsuit filed by the affected officials. The court also instructed the Edo State Government and Governor Monday Okpebholo to halt actions related to the suspension resolution passed by the State House of Assembly.
The ruling mandates that the state maintain the status quo as of December 12, pending the outcome of the motion on notice scheduled for February 17, 2025. Justice Ikponmwonba emphasized the importance of ensuring fair proceedings, ordering a hearing notice to be served to all defendants.
Reacting to the judgment, Tajudeen Alade, Vice Chairman of the Edo chapter of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria, praised the court’s decision and the supportive remarks by the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi. He described the developments as significant strides toward strengthening democratic governance in the country.
Alade expressed the readiness of the council leaders to resume their duties and collaborate with Governor Okpebholo to drive the state’s progress. Stressing their commitment to fostering harmony, he dismissed accusations of misconduct or insubordination as baseless, emphasizing the shared responsibility of local and state governments to deliver on democratic promises.
The council officials further urged the State House of Assembly to reconsider its stance, asserting that the judiciary’s actions were not biased but aimed at preserving the tenets of democracy in Edo State.
