The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has criticized the Edo State House of Assembly for suspending the chairpersons of the state’s 18 Local Government Areas, describing the action as contrary to legal procedures.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Fagbemi emphasized that only the legislative arm of local governments has the authority to suspend or remove council chairpersons. He warned that any action outside due process would undermine the autonomy of local governments.
“The current legal framework does not permit governors or state assemblies to unilaterally suspend or remove local government chairpersons without adhering to established legal processes,” Fagbemi stated.
The controversy arose on Tuesday when the Edo State House of Assembly suspended the chairpersons and their deputies for two months, citing allegations of gross misconduct. According to the Speaker of the House, Blessing Agbebaku, the suspension followed a petition by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, accusing the chairpersons of failing to submit their councils’ financial records to the state government.
Fagbemi’s statement underscores the legal boundaries between state and local governments, highlighting the need for adherence to constitutional provisions regarding governance and accountability at the grassroots level.
Further developments are expected as the suspended chairpersons and the state government navigate this legal impasse.
