Tension has gripped the 18 local government areas of Edo State following a wave of impeachments and alleged forced resignations of acting council chairmen.
The development came just hours after 63 elected councillors received certificates of return from the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) on Monday in Benin City.
The councillors had emerged winners in a by-election conducted last Saturday across the state.
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Presenting the certificates at about 7 a.m. on Monday, EDSIEC Chairman, Hon. Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, represented by Hon. (Dr) Ikhuoriah Solomon, charged the councillors to deliver quality representation to their constituencies.
According to him, “The successful conduct of the 2025 by-election is not only a testament to the Commission’s efficiency but also a reaffirmation of the people’s trust in the democratic process. Today, as we celebrate the victors of that process, we are also reminded of the important roles they are stepping into: to serve, to lead, and to bring meaningful development to their various wards.”
According to Nigerian Tribune, the councillors from several local government areas immediately began signing impeachment notices before proceeding to their respective council secretariats.
In Esan West Local Government Area, the acting chairman, Hon. Godsent Agboibo, avoided possible impeachment by resigning from office.
In his resignation letter dated September 22, 2025, and addressed to the House Leader of the Esan West Legislative Chamber, Agboibo said recent developments had compelled his decision.
“As a loyal party man and committed supporter of our Governor, His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, and as a man of integrity and peace, I hereby tender my resignation as chairman with effect from 22 September 2025. Thank you for your past support during my tenure. I look forward to supporting whoever comes on board,” the letter read in part.
Similarly, in Etsako East Local Government Area, councillors reportedly signed an impeachment notice against acting chairman Hon. Solomon Ogumah on Sunday in Benin City. The situation escalated as thugs allegedly took over the council secretariat in Okpella.
In Uhunmwode Local Government Area, nine councillors signed a notice of impeachment against the acting chairman, Hon. Osas Iradia Benjamin.
The notice read: “We, the undersigned members of Uhunmwode Local Government Area Legislative Arm, hereby impeach you as the acting Local Government Council chairman with effect from today, the 22nd day of September 2025. This decision is as a result of your abuse of office, high-headedness, embezzlement of council funds, anti-party activities, financial recklessness, forgery and constant disobedience to constituted authorities.”
Reacting, Hon. Solomon Ogumah of Etsako East pleaded with Governor Monday Okpebholo to intervene in order to prevent chaos within the party.
He said, “I was told that I should resign and that if I don’t resign, they will use the councillors to remove me. I have enquired of the House of Assembly, and they said they did not give any such directive, and I know it is the House of Assembly and the governor who have such powers.”
Meanwhile, a former Edo North senatorial youth leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dirisu Otinomo, cautioned that the unfolding drama could plunge the APC into deep crisis if not properly managed.
