Benin City, Nigeria – May 21, 2025
The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a strong call on the state government, led by Governor Monday Okpebholo, to comply with recent court rulings and immediately reinstate all duly elected Local Government Chairmen and their deputies who were previously removed from office.
In a press statement released on Wednesday by the Chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, the party accused the Okpebholo-led administration of embarking on what it described as an “unprecedented onslaught” against local governance by unlawfully removing elected officials in clear violation of the constitution and the Edo State Local Government Law.
According to the statement, recent High Court rulings have affirmed the illegality of these removals. Notably, the court ordered the reinstatement of Hon. Tajudeen Alade, Chairman of Akoko-Edo Local Government, citing procedural breaches and denial of fair hearing. The presiding judge, Justice B.A. Okoh, also directed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure Alade’s safe return to office.
A second landmark judgement also reinstated Hon. Zibiri Marvelous and Hon. Benji Ojietu, Chairman and Vice Chairman of Etsako West Local Government, respectively. Justice O.M. Obayuwana declared their impeachment null and void, ruling that it failed to comply with legal procedures. The judgement included an order for their immediate reinstatement and full restoration of rights, benefits, and protections due to their offices. The councillors involved in their removal were each fined one million naira.
“These rulings vindicate the PDP’s consistent position that the Okpebholo administration acted unconstitutionally by sacking elected council officials without due process,” Dr. Aziegbemi said.
The PDP also used the opportunity to commend the judiciary for its “fairness and unwavering commitment” to the rule of law, urging the state government to comply with the court’s directives and allow governance to resume at the grassroots.
The statement warned that the PDP would pursue further legal action to overturn similar removals in other Local Government Areas, and criticized the state’s alleged attempts to undermine democratic institutions and local governance structures.
Dr. Aziegbemi attributed rising insecurity and poverty in Edo State to the collapse of grassroots governance, stating that reinstating the elected officials is essential for restoring development and peace.
He further addressed claims by the All Progressives Congress (APC) that 17 PDP council chairmen had defected, challenging the ruling party to publish any names to that effect. “To date, nothing has been heard from the APC, exposing their desperation and political theatrics,” he said.
The PDP also hailed Hon. Maria Edeko, who recently resigned as Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, for her “exemplary display of integrity and courage.” The party described her action as a rare show of principle in Nigerian politics and said history would remember her kindly.
The statement concluded with a firm resolve from the PDP to pursue all legal avenues to reclaim what it described as its “stolen mandate” in the September 2024 governorship election.
