Suspension of Edo LG Chairmen illegal, unconstitutional – AGF Fagbemi declares
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The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has described the suspension of the Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the 18 Local Government Councils in Edo State as illegal and unconstitutional.
Fagbemi stated this while speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday. He noted that only Councilors in LG councils have the prerogative to either remove or suspend from office, any elected LG official in the country.
He, however, said his initial reluctance to react to the development was because of the fact that he wanted to know the basis upon which the officials of the LG councils in Edo state were reportedly suspended.
The Senior Advocate said his position was based on the July 11 judgement of the Supreme Court that granted autonomy to the 774 LGAs in the country.
He said: “One thing that I know and can say without fear is that under the present dispensation, the Governor has no right to remove any local government chairman.
“That much I know. If I did not know before, since July 11, 2024, I became aware of it that removal of any local government chairman or official would be the prerogative of that local government, through their legislative house.”
It will be recalled that the Edo State House of Assembly had suspended the chairmen and vice chairmen of the 18 LG councils for two months, following a petition by the State Governor, Monday Okphebholo, who accused the Council chairmen of alleged gross misconduct and insubordination.
The LGA officials had since rejected their purported suspension, even as they vowed to remain in office till the expiration of their tenure in 2026.
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