Edo State Defies Supreme Court Ruling, Intensifies Local Government Suspension Crisis

Our reporter

The constitutional standoff in Edo State deepened this week as the state government reaffirmed its suspension of all 18 local government chairmen, despite a judicial ruling declaring the action unconstitutional. 

 

On Friday, December 20, Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of the Edo High Court nullified the suspensions and ordered the state government to allow the chairmen to resume their duties.

This ruling aligned with a recent Supreme Court decision under President Bola Tinubu’s administration that reinforced the financial and administrative independence of local councils. However, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and the State House of Assembly remain defiant, maintaining that the suspensions are lawful under state legislation. 

 

The conflict began when Governor Okpebholo demanded the submission of financial reports from local council chairmen within 48 hours, a directive that was not complied with. Citing allegations of gross misconduct, the governor sought the assembly’s approval to suspend the officials, which was granted. 

 

The state's refusal to comply with court directives has sparked a national debate on the balance of power between state governments and local councils. Critics, including opposition leaders, have accused the Edo government of undermining the rule of law. 

 

PDP stalwart Hon. Ose Anenih lambasted the governor’s actions, describing them as a direct affront to the judiciary and federal authority. “This is a blatant disregard for a Supreme Court ruling and a challenge to the principles of democracy,” Anenih said. “If we allow governors to pick and choose which laws to obey, we are inviting chaos.” 

 

The Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has also weighed in, asserting that only local councillors have the constitutional authority to remove elected chairmen. This interpretation has been dismissed by Edo officials, who argue that state laws grant the assembly the right to act in such matters. 

 

Barrister Emwanta, a member of the governor’s administrative team, defended the state’s position during a televised interview, saying, “Local governments are under state control. Financial autonomy does not strip states of their supervisory roles. The Supreme Court cannot override the constitution as it is currently structured.” 

 

This escalating conflict has drawn attention to broader issues of federalism and governance in Nigeria. While President Tinubu has championed local government autonomy as a cornerstone of his administration, the resistance from an APC-led state has raised questions about internal party coherence and the enforceability of federal policies. 

 

Observers warn that the Edo crisis could set a troubling precedent for other States, undermining the judiciary's authority and threatening stability at the grassroots level. Calls for federal intervention are growing louder, with stakeholders urging the Presidency and security agencies to step in before the situation deteriorates further.