Edo PDP Urges State Government to Obey Court Orders, Reinstate Sacked Local Government Chairmen

BENIN CITY – The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a strong call on the state government to immediately comply with court rulings that ordered the reinstatement of elected local government chairmen across the state. Speaking during a press conference in Benin, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee, emphasized that the continued disregard for judicial decisions poses a serious threat to democracy and grassroots governance in Edo.

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Aziegbemi expressed concern that the illegal removal of these officials has significantly weakened governance at the local level, depriving citizens of essential public services and representation.

The PDP chairman highlighted several key judgments from Edo State High Courts affirming the rights of lawfully elected local government chairmen. Aziegbemi pointed to the case of Mr. Tajudeen Alade, the Akoko-Edo chairman, whose removal was overturned by the court due to a violation of Section 19 of the Edo State Local Government Law.

“The court found that the due process was not followed and that Mr. Alade was denied fair hearing. His removal was declared illegal, and the court ordered his immediate reinstatement,” Aziegbemi said.

He also referenced a recent judgment by Justice O.M. Obayuwana, which reinstated Etsako West Chairman, Zibiri Marvelous, and Vice Chairman, Benji Ojietu. The court ruled that their impeachment process lacked legal merit, as it did not comply with the requirements outlined in the local government law.

“These are not isolated incidents,” Aziegbemi noted. “The judiciary is steadily correcting these constitutional violations. It is now up to the executive arm to respect the rule of law and implement these judgments.”

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Dr. Aziegbemi blamed the rising insecurity and poverty in Edo on the state’s continued obstruction of local governance. According to him, the suspension of duly elected council leaders has led to a collapse in grassroots governance.

“This tier of government is vital because it connects directly with the people. The suspension of chairmen has paralyzed service delivery and stifled community development. We cannot allow this to continue,” he warned.

He emphasized that reversing the unjust removal of these officials is essential to restoring public confidence and ensuring stability across local councils.

“The law is clear. Elections were held, and these leaders were chosen by the people. The courts have validated their mandates. The government must now do the right thing by allowing them to return to office,” he added.

In a related development, the Edo PDP commended the resignation of Mrs. Maria Oligbi-Edeko from her position as Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly. Her decision, according to Aziegbemi, reflects rare political courage and integrity.

“Mrs. Oligbi-Edeko stood tall in a political landscape where personal interests often override principles. Her resignation is a statement of conscience, and she will be remembered for her stand on justice and accountability,” he said.

The PDP described her as a role model in leadership and commended her for aligning with the party’s commitment to transparency and constitutional adherence.

Concluding the briefing, Aziegbemi reiterated the PDP’s commitment to using legal means to reclaim what he described as a “stolen mandate” from the upcoming September 2024 governorship election. He stated that the party remains united, determined, and focused on restoring justice through constitutional processes.

“We are not shaken. We will continue to challenge injustice through every legal avenue. Edo people deserve leaders who obey the law and protect democratic values,” he affirmed.

As political tensions simmer in Edo State, the PDP’s message underscores a deepening divide over governance and rule of law. The insistence on obeying court rulings reflects growing pressure on the state government to respect democratic institutions and restore local council leadership.

Whether Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration will heed the calls remains uncertain, but what is clear is that the PDP intends to keep the pressure on, advocating for constitutional order and principled governance at every level.