In a major victory for democratic governance, several suspended local government chairmen in Edo State resumed office today following a ruling by the Edo State High Court. Among the reinstated officials were the chairmen of Esan South East, Esan North East, and Etsako West local government areas, all of whom received votes of confidence from their respective councillors.
The reinstatement comes on the heels of a December judgment by Justice Efe Ikponmwonba, which declared the suspensions illegal and ordered the immediate return of the affected chairmen to their positions. The court’s decision has been widely celebrated as a triumph for the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.
Barrister Anthony Ehilebo, Special Adviser on Media to PDP gubernatorial candidate Asue Ighodalo, applauded the judiciary’s stance. “The judiciary has once again demonstrated its role as a safeguard for democracy,” Ehilebo said. “The illegal suspension of these chairmen violated their constitutional rights and undermined local government autonomy.”
The decision marks a significant political setback for Governor Monday Okpebholo, whose administration had faced backlash for the suspensions. Critics argued that the move was a politically motivated attempt to weaken opposition-aligned officials, drawing widespread condemnation from civil society and pro-democracy advocates.
Despite the reinstatements, the state government maintains that the suspensions were lawful. Kassim Afegbua, a member of the Edo State Investigative Panel set up by Governor Okpebholo, defended the administration’s actions during an appearance on AIT’s Democracy Today. “An injunction cannot restrain an action that has already been completed,” Afegbua argued, signaling the administration’s continued resistance to the court’s ruling.
The federal government’s neutral stance in the matter has also drawn praise, with observers commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi for their refusal to interfere. This position has been interpreted as a commitment to upholding democratic norms and respecting local government autonomy.
For the reinstated chairmen, the focus now shifts to governance. Hon. Louis Imhandegbelo, chairman of Esan South East local government, expressed gratitude to the judiciary and his councilors. “We are grateful to the judiciary for standing firm on the side of justice,” Imhandegbelo said. “Our focus now is to deliver on the mandate given to us by the people.”
Political analysts believe the court’s decision, coupled with the Supreme Court’s July judgment reinforcing local government protections, will serve as a precedent for future disputes, strengthening Nigeria’s democratic framework.
