In a dramatic purge of local government administration, the Heads of Local Government Administration across the 18 local government councils are to go on compulsory leave.
The sweeping directive was announced on Wednesday by the Chairman of the Edo State Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Kabiru Adjoto, who stated the move was essential to “revamp” the system and “avoid undue interference.”
The mass leave is part of a major restructuring effort to strengthen efficiency, promote accountability, and “restore confidence” in the local government service. The measure will allow for a “thorough assessment” of staff deployment, record management, and overall operations.
“All Heads of Local Government Administration (HoLGAs) across the 18 local government councils are to proceed on compulsory leave with effect from today,” Adjoto declared at a press briefing in Benin City.
He ordered the Directors of Administrative and General Services in each council to take over daily operations immediately.
In a separate, more severe action, the HoLGA and Director of Finance for Ekoko-Edo local government have been placed on compulsory leave and interdicted, following allegations detailed in a petition.
Adjoto framed the shake-up as a key part of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s “SHINE Agenda,” vowing to ensure the local government system “delivers value to the people.”
The Commission also revealed it is in the final stages of a comprehensive digitalisation drive to modernise its operations and tackle long-standing issues with recruitment and staff retirement. Officials confirmed the process is 90% complete, with hundreds of outdated physical files already recovered.
