Prince Aminu Okodo-Kadiri, the chairman of Edo State’s Owan East Local Government Area (LGA), declared on Thursday that his alleged impeachment and that of his deputy, Clement Ojebuovbo, are unlawful and unconstitutional.
Due to suspected misbehavior against the two, council members of the legislative branch of the council started the impeachment process. Speaking to reporters in Benin City, Okodo claimed that the impeachment procedures were riddled with anomalies and that they broke the law. The Edo State Local Government Law of 2000 (as revised in 2002), which specified precise protocols for dismissing council executives, was cited by Okodo.
He mentioned that none of the stipulated processes—such as “presenting allegations signed by two-thirds of councillors, setting up an investigative panel of independent individuals, and adhering to timelines during the proceedings”—were followed.
Even though he was not given the chance to defend himself in front of a seven-member investigating panel as required by law, Okodo also pointed out that the council members had neglected to form one. He argued that the impeachment procedure was unlawful since the mace used was not the Owan East Local Government Council’s official mace.
In addition to accusing Monday Okpebholo, the governor of Edo State, of masterminding the impeachment, Okodo said that the council members were called to Government House and paid to sign papers endorsing the dismissal of council chairmen around the state. Additionally, Okodo denied accusations of financial mismanagement, namely those pertaining to ₦50 million purportedly given to councils for wage payments.
According to him, “The governor alleged that council chairmen embezzled ₦50 million meant for salaries, but this claim lacks merit. Monthly salary expenditures far exceed ₦50 million in most councils, and salaries were paid promptly up to November, contrary to the governor’s claims.”
“If funds were misappropriated, where is the proof? Our bank records are clear, and no salaries are owed.”
“Moreover, the purported impeachment revealed that two key councillors involved in the process had been suspended for gross misconduct prior to the session.”
He added that the suspended councillors’ participation in the process rendered the proceedings invalid and emphasized that his office was never notified of their reinstatement, as required by due process.
Okodo, then, vowed to seek justice through the judiciary to restore fairness and uphold the rule of law. He expressed confidence in the courts to overturn what he described as an illegal and politically motivated impeachment.
“This suspension and impeachment are baseless and unconstitutional. I will rely on the judiciary to restore justice and uphold the rule of law in this matter,” Okodo said.
