Erstwhile suspended chairmen of local governments in Edo State began to return to their offices on Friday following a State High Court ruling that declared illegal Governor Monday Okpebholo’s barring them from their posts.
Among those returning were the chairmen of Esan South East, Esan North East, and Etsako West local government areas, who received votes of confidence from their respective councillors.
The reinstatements followed a December injunction by Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of the Edo State High Court, which declared the suspensions illegal and ordered the immediate reinstatement of the affected chairmen.
Okpebholo’s action against the council bosses had drawn widespread criticism, with many accusing the state government of leveraging unconstitutional powers to sideline opposition-aligned officials.
The Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, had declared the move as a violation of the Constitution.
Hon. Louis Imhandegbelo, Chairman of Esan South East local government, expressed gratitude to the Judiciary and his councilors for their support, stating: “We are grateful to the judiciary for standing firm on the side of justice. I particularly thank my fellow councillors for the unanimous vote of confidence. Our focus now is to deliver on the mandate given to us by the people.”
