An Edo State High Court sitting in Auchi has overturned the impeachment of Etsako West Local Government Chairman, Zibiri Marvellous, and his deputy, Benji Ojietu....CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING.>>
According to reports, the court ruled that the removal process violated legal procedures as outlined in the Edo State Local Government Law.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice O. M. Obayuwana declared the impeachment null and void, citing non-compliance with Section 19 of the Edo State Local Government Law 2000 (amended in 2002). The section requires the formation of a seven-member investigative panel, a review of its findings by the Edo State House of Assembly, and the proper delivery of an impeachment notice to the affected officials.
The court further instructed the Inspector General of Police to guarantee the safety of the chairman and his deputy as they return to office. A perpetual injunction was also issued, barring any interference with their official duties.
Additionally, the judge awarded ₦1 million in damages to each of the claimants for the unlawful impeachment.
The impeachment was preceded by a directive from Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who called for the suspension of all 18 local government chairmen over allegations of insubordination. The Etsako West Legislative Council then moved to impeach Marvellous and Ojietu, escalating tensions between local and state authorities.
In response to the court’s decision, Zibiri Marvellous described the ruling as a triumph for democratic governance. He urged Governor Okpebholo to respect the court’s verdict and allow him and his deputy to return to their positions.
“This victory is for democracy,” Marvellous said. “I appeal to Governor Okpebholo to obey the court order so that my deputy and I can resume our duties.”
