A Federal High Court in Abuja has directed Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State and the State House of Assembly to maintain the status quo regarding the suspension of 18 local government chairpersons and their deputies.
The ruling, issued on Monday by Justice Emeka Nwite, follows an ex-parte motion filed by the suspended chairpersons and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The court’s order will remain in effect pending the hearing of the substantive suit scheduled for January 20, 2025.
On December 17, 2024, the Edo House of Assembly suspended the chairpersons and deputies for two months, citing allegations of gross misconduct.
According to Blessing Agbebaku, Speaker of the Assembly, Governor Okpebholo had petitioned the legislators over the refusal of the chairpersons to submit financial records of their councils to the state government.
Counsel to the plaintiffs, Anderson Asemota, argued that the suspension violated a July 2024 Supreme Court ruling, which declared that state governors lack the authority to suspend elected local government officials.
Asemota further alleged that the suspension stemmed from the chairpersons’ disagreement with the governor over the operation of a joint account, contrary to the apex court’s decision.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite emphasized the need for caution and granted the order to maintain the status quo. “After reviewing the evidence and written arguments, I hereby make an order that parties should maintain a status quo pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice,” the judge stated.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1952/V/2024, lists the Speaker of the Edo Assembly, the assembly itself, the governor, and the state government as the first to fourth defendants. Also named are the Edo Attorney-General, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), and the Inspector-General of Police.
This legal battle underscores ongoing tensions between the state government and local government administrations, with broader implications for governance and the rule of law in Nigeria.
The case has reignited discussions about the autonomy of local government councils and the limits of gubernatorial powers.
The next court hearing on January 20 will determine the fate of the suspended chairpersons and could set a significant precedent for similar cases across the country.