by Loretta Alfred
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), on Thursday faulted the suspension of the Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the 18 local government areas in Edo State by the state House of Assembly.
Fagbemi said the action was illegal and unconstitutional, stressing that the removal from office or suspension of any elected LG official in the country was the prerogative of councillors in the said LGA.
He said his position was hinged on the July 11, 2024 judgement of the Supreme Court granting autonomy to the 774 LGAs in the country.
“One thing that I know and can say without fear is that under the present dispensation, the Governor has no right to remove any local government chairman,” Fagbemi told journalists in Abuja.
“That much I know. If I did not know before, since July 11, 2024, I became aware of it that removal of any local government chairman or official would be the prerogative of that local government, through their legislative house,” he stated.
He said he was initially reluctant to react to the development because he wanted to know the basis upon which the LGA officials in Edo State were suspended.
On Tuesday, the Edo State House of Assembly passed a resolution suspending chairmen and vice chairmen of the 18 local government councils for two months.
The House also mandated the leaders of the legislative arms to take over leadership of their respective councils.
The suspension of the council chairmen and their deputies was sequel to a motion moved by the member representing Esan North East 1, Isibor Adeh, and seconded by the member representing Akoko-Edo 2, Donald Okogbe.
This followed a petition by Governor Monday Okpebholo to the House, where he accused the council officials of insubordination, alleging that they failed to submit their financial reports from September 23, 2022 to date as directed.
The LGA officials have since rejected their purported suspension, vowing to remain in office till the expiration of their tenure in 2026.
