The political landscape of Edo State, Nigeria, was recently rocked by the impeachment of two local government chairmen and their deputies, sparking controversy and raising questions about due process and political motivations. In Esan North East Local Government Area, Chairman Kelly Inedegbor and Vice-Chairman Thomas Otiobhili were removed from office, while in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Chairman Tajudeen Alade and his deputy met the same fate. The impeachments, occurring in separate incidents, share a common thread of allegations of misconduct and a backdrop of political maneuvering.
In Esan North East, the impeachment process was initiated by two councillors, Shedrack Onoghemenosen and Samuel Udawele, who formally notified the Leader of the House, Paul Uhumesi, of their intent. The councillors levelled accusations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and a breach of the oath of office against Inedegbor and Otiobhili. These allegations resonated with a broader sentiment of dissatisfaction among council members and the community regarding the leadership of the suspended officials. The impeachment process itself, however, was shrouded in controversy. The Leader of the House, Ubomesisl, simultaneously announced the suspension of three other councillors, raising suspicions about the motivation and legitimacy of the entire proceeding. Inedegbor’s camp vehemently denied receiving any formal impeachment notice, a crucial step in ensuring due process, further complicating the already murky situation.
Meanwhile, in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, a similar drama unfolded. Councillors stormed the legislative chamber, convened a plenary session, and declared the impeachment of Chairman Alade and his deputy. Swiftly, they installed Alabi Oshionogue, the then-Leader of the legislative arm, as acting chairman. Oshionogue promptly announced the formation of a committee to investigate and recover missing council assets and dissolved all appointments made by the ousted chairman, Alade. The presence of former State House of Assembly Speaker Kabiru Adjoto, who expressed satisfaction with the peaceful nature of the process, added another layer of political intrigue to the proceedings.
The ousted chairmen, Inedegbor and Alade, both vehemently denied the validity of their impeachments, citing procedural irregularities and alleging ulterior motives. Inedegbor, through his Press Secretary, Okonofua Osemobor, issued a statement claiming that he was never served with the mandatory 14-day impeachment notice, effectively denying him a fair hearing and an opportunity to respond to the allegations. Osemobor further alleged that the impeachment took place in the dead of night, raising questions about the legitimacy and transparency of the process. He also insinuated that some councillors’ signatures on the impeachment documents were forged, and others were coerced by a powerful political figure within the local government, hinting at a deeper political game at play.
Alade echoed similar sentiments, asserting that the impeachment was illegal and driven by a small group of councillors seeking access to the council’s treasury. He pointed to a recent incident where his personal belongings were allegedly removed from the secretariat by the same individuals involved in the impeachment, portraying the entire affair as a politically motivated attack. His claim that the impeachment lacked due process mirrors Inedegbor’s defense, suggesting a systemic issue within the local government impeachment procedures.
The swift and dramatic nature of the impeachments, coupled with the allegations of procedural breaches and political machinations, raises concerns about the stability of local governance in Edo State. The claims of forged signatures, coerced councillors, and midnight meetings paint a picture of a process driven by personal agendas rather than legitimate grievances. The simultaneous suspension of councillors in Esan North East further fuels suspicions of a coordinated effort to silence dissent and consolidate power. The contrasting narrative presented by Adjoto, praising the peaceful nature of the proceedings, adds to the complexity of the situation, highlighting the divergent perspectives and the politicized nature of the events.
The impeachments underscore the importance of adherence to due process and transparency in local governance. The allegations of procedural violations not only raise questions about the legality of the impeachments but also erode public trust in the integrity of local government institutions. The accusations of political motivations further complicate matters, suggesting that personal ambitions and power struggles may be overriding the best interests of the communities these officials are elected to serve. A thorough and impartial investigation is crucial to determine the veracity of the claims and to restore public confidence in the local government system. The outcome of this situation will likely have long-term implications for the political landscape of Edo State and could serve as a precedent for future impeachment proceedings.
