Our reporter
The Edo State Government has won a crucial legal battle after the State’s High Court, under the jurisdiction of Honourable Justice Efe Ikponmwoba, set aside a mandatory injunction that had previously restricted the government’s actions regarding local government councils. The ruling, delivered on 17 February 2025, brings an end to legal constraints that had hindered the administration’s efforts to oversee local governance.
The case was originally brought before the court by Oluwole Osaze Uzzi Esq, the immediate past Attorney General of Edo State, representing the State’s 18 Local Government Councils and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON). The lawsuit followed the controversial removal of 18 Local Government Council chairmen, who had been suspended over allegations of financial misconduct. Their suspension was enforced by the Edo State House of Assembly on 16 December 2024, based on the findings of an administrative panel of inquiry.
A previous court ruling on 20 December 2024 had favoured the suspended chairmen, granting an interim injunction against their removal. However, in a subsequent legal challenge led by the Attorney General of Edo State and argued by the Senior Advocate K. O. Obamogie, the government successfully argued against the validity of the injunction, culminating in its reversal.
The decision has been met with relief by the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo, who now has a clearer path to implementing governance reforms at the local level. It also allows the on-going financial investigations into the deposed council chairmen to proceed without judicial hindrance. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) remains involved in scrutinising the alleged financial infractions, underscoring the State’s commitment to accountability and good governance.
Reacting to the ruling, Governor Okpebholo welcomed the judgment, stating: “This is a step forward for Edo State. Our administration is dedicated to ensuring that local government councils operate in a manner that upholds transparency, democracy, and public trust.”
With the legal battle now settled in favour of the Edo State Government, attention is expected to shift towards reinforcing the structures necessary for effective local governance, as well as ensuring that any instances of financial malpractice are thoroughly addressed.
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