The Legislative arm of the Council has impeached Eghe Ogbemudia, the Chairman of the Egor Local Government Council in Edo State, along with Mr. Frank Osawe, the Vice Chairman.
The impeachment occurred Friday afternoon during a plenary session at the Legislative Chambers, with Kelvin Eguakun serving as the new Leader.
Osawe was removed on four charges of alleged gross misconduct, including budget padding, financial misappropriation, unlawful withholding of statutory allowances for a principal member and three other council members, and abuse of office.
The motion for their impeachment was moved by Hon. Nosakhare Isiegbuwa and seconded by Hon. Stella Ogida Osagioduwa.
Following the impeachment, Kelvin Eguakun was sworn in as Acting Chairman. The Legislative Council suspended its leadership team, which included Hon. Bosede Omokaro (Leader), Hon. Iwinosa Enabulele (Majority Leader), and Hon. Amb. Elliot Inneh Enni (Chief Whip).
The process was formalized in the Edo State Government Gazette in accordance with the recently enacted Egor LG Bye-law on Pre-Action Notices, Legislative Privileges, and Impeachment Proceedings for Elected Council Officials.
This is the most recent episode in a protracted dispute between Governor Monday Okpebholo, the State House of Assembly, and the chairmen of Edo State’s 18 local government councils.
A disagreement has arisen between the chairmen and their deputies because they have refused to give the State Assets Verification Committee account details, despite Governor Okpebholo’s orders.
The State Assembly suspended the officials for two months when the Governor responded by accusing them of egregious misconduct and insubordination. But a Benin City High Court, led by Chief Judge Justice Daniel Okungbowa, revoked the suspension.
