Violence erupted in Ehor, the administrative hub of Uhunmwonde Local Government Area, Edo State, on Thursday, as unknown gunmen stormed the council secretariat during a heated attempt to impeach the council chairman, Kenneth Adodo. Several individuals sustained injuries during the chaos, raising concerns about escalating political tensions across local governments in the state.
The Ehor Incident
Kenneth Adodo, reportedly impeached by councilors, accused police officers from the Government House in Benin City of complicity in the violent attack. According to Adodo, the situation spiraled into violence as attempts were made to enforce the impeachment, leaving many wounded.
This incident highlights a troubling trend of political unrest in Edo State, where a wave of impeachments targeting local government chairpersons has turned increasingly confrontational.
Similar Tensions in Orhionmwon LGA
A day earlier, in Orhionmwon Local Government Area, political friction boiled over as councilors impeached the Leader of the House, Daniel Osariemen, replacing him with Chuks Isan. Allegations surfaced that Osariemen was being prepped to orchestrate the impeachment of the council chairman, Hon. Newman Ugiagbe, and his vice, Midwest Ogbebor.
In a dramatic twist, Osariemen reportedly led unknown individuals to seize the council secretariat in Abudu, where he declared himself the acting chairman. Ugiagbe, through his Press Secretary, Roy Osariemen, dismissed the takeover as illegal and reaffirmed his position as chairman.
Legal Battles in Owan East LGA
The chairman of Owan East Local Government Council, Prince Aminu Okodo-Kadiri, also faced a controversial impeachment alongside his vice, Clement Ojebuovbo. Addressing the press in Benin City, Okodo-Kadiri labeled the impeachment process unconstitutional and politically motivated.
Citing the Edo State Local Government Law of 2000 (amended in 2002), Okodo-Kadiri argued that the councilors failed to establish the mandatory seven-member investigative panel required to probe allegations and provide him an opportunity for defense. He also noted that the mace used during the impeachment proceedings was not the council’s official mace, further invalidating the process.
Financial Mismanagement Allegations
Governor had alleged that council chairmen misappropriated ₦50 million earmarked for staff salaries. Okodo-Kadiri refuted the claim, insisting that monthly salary payments exceed the alleged amount and that no salaries were owed up to November. He challenged the governor to provide proof of the alleged financial mismanagement, emphasizing that all bank records were transparent.
A Call for Justice
Okodo-Kadiri vowed to challenge the impeachment in court, expressing confidence that the judiciary would overturn what he described as an unlawful and politically-driven action.
“The impeachment process violated due process and was riddled with irregularities,” he asserted. “We remain committed to seeking justice and restoring the rule of law.”
A Growing Crisis
The series of impeachments, now marred by allegations of violence, illegality, and political interference, is causing significant concern in Edo State. As tensions escalate, stakeholders are urging a return to constitutional processes to prevent further unrest.
This developing story underscores the critical need for stability and adherence to the rule of law in local government administration. Stay tuned for updates on this situation as it unfolds.