Tension in Edo as Okpebholo challenges Supreme Court’s LGA autonomy verdict

This bold stance has triggered widespread condemnation and heightened concerns over the state’s disregard for judicial authority.

Last Friday, Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of the Edo High Court issued an injunction declaring the suspension of the chairmen null and void.

The court also barred the state government from further interference in local government affairs pending the hearing of the substantive case. Despite this, state officials have refused to comply, challenging both the judiciary and the federal government’s policies on local council autonomy.

The crisis stems from Governor Okpebholo's ultimatum that local government chairmen submit their financial records directly to him.

When the chairmen refused, the governor cited “gross misconduct” under Section 10(1) of the Edo State Local Government Law (2000) and petitioned the state assembly to suspend them. Notably, the same section had been declared unconstitutional in a prior judgment last month.

In July, President Bola Tinubu’s administration secured a landmark Supreme Court judgment affirming the financial and administrative independence of local councils.

Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Chief Lateef Fagbemi SAN, subsequently reiterated that only local councillors have the authority to suspend or remove elected officials in local councils. Nonetheless, Edo’s state officials have dismissed these legal pronouncements.

Barrister Emwanta, a governor’s administrative panel member, defended the state’s actions on national television, stating, “The Constitution has placed local governments under state control, and that remains the law. Financial autonomy is about access, but that does not strip the state government of oversight over how funds are utilised.”

Emwanta further argued that “The Supreme Court cannot amend the Constitution.”

Kassim Afegbua, another panel member, added, “Chief Lateef Fagbemi might be the law officer of the federation, but he does not represent the Constitution. The laws made by the Edo House of Assembly are valid under constitutional provisions.”

Governor Okpebholo’s spokesperson, Fred Itua, insisted the actions were “entirely justified,” stating: “The Constitution recognises a two-tier federal system. The House of Assembly oversees the activities of the governor, and similarly, the governor has oversight over local government chairmen.”

Prominent PDP chieftain, Hon. Ose Anenih, described the situation as a “shocking rebellion against the rule of law and the President’s authority.”

Anenih expressed disappointment that an APC governor would openly defy President Tinubu’s flagship policy on local government autonomy.

“As a Niger Delta man, I commend President Tinubu’s bold strides toward restructuring, particularly his efforts to strengthen local government autonomy.

“It is bewildering to see an APC governor—one of his own—leading this insurrection against both the judiciary and the presidency,” Anenih said.

Anenih warned of the long-term implications of the state government’s actions.

“The Edo State Government is setting a dangerous precedent. When elected officials decide which court orders to obey and which to ignore, we edge closer to anarchy,” he said.

Anenih appealed to President Tinubu, the Attorney General, and security forces to intervene before the crisis spirals out of control.

He cautioned that the Edo government’s actions are already stoking tensions that could lead to a breakdown of law and order.

“The governor’s dance steps, or should I say missteps, indicate that there is clearly a drummer hiding in the bushes, with an agenda different from the President’s,” Anenih remarked.

The unfolding situation in Edo State underscores a growing rift between federal directives and state interpretations of constitutional mandates.

Observers warn that continued defiance of court rulings risks undermining democratic principles and could ignite broader instability.

As the nation watches, the onus lies on all stakeholders to uphold the rule of law and prevent further escalation.