Kehinde Fajobi
Members of the recently dissolved Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) have filed a ₦619 million lawsuit against Governor Godwin Obaseki, challenging their removal before the end of their tenure.
The claimants—Justice James Oyomire (retd), Mrs Gladys Idahor, Uduafi Gabriel, Felix Ebhota, Anthony Okekuoyen Michael Ekhaisomi, and Vincent Aimienota—brought the case before the National Industrial Court in Benin City.
They argue that their dissolution, announced on December 27, 2024, by the Secretary to the State Government, violates constitutional and state laws that guarantee their five-year tenure, which began on March 23, 2022.
In their suit, the claimants are seeking:
A declaration that the dissolution of EDSIEC is unconstitutional, illegal, and void under Section 199(1)(c) of the 1999 Constitution and the Edo State Local Government Electoral Law, 2012.
An order setting aside the dissolution and reinstating the claimants until March 2027.
₦484.9 million as unpaid salaries from November 2024 to the end of their tenure.
₦100 million in exemplary and aggravated damages for what they described as “unlawful and unconstitutional actions.”
₦35 million in legal fees.
Justice Oyomire, in an affidavit supporting the suit, stated, “The Constitution and the Edo State Local Government Electoral Law stipulate that EDSIEC members can only be removed for inability to discharge their duties due to infirmity, misconduct, or other legitimate causes.”
He emphasised, “None of the claimants is incapacitated in any way. We are all fit, both physically and mentally, and have continued to perform our duties as required by law.”
The defendants in the case include Governor Obaseki, the Attorney-General of Edo State, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, and other state officials.
The court is yet to fix a date for the hearing.