Hon. Paul Iyoha, the embattled chairman of Edo State’s Esan Central Local Government Area, claimed yesterday that his impeachment was prompted by his backing of Asue Ighodalo, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the state’s September 21, 2024, governorship election.
While speaking to journalists in Benin City, he made the accusation. While criticizing the procedure that resulted in his dismissal, Iyoha said that the Edo State House of Assembly had not given him or the other local government chairmen in the state a fair hearing prior to suspending them.
However, he claimed that Senator Monday Okpebholo, the governor of Edo State, planned to have him removed from office. Iyoha maintained that he had performed his job well, making sure that staff members and council members received their salary and benefits on time.
Continuing , Iyoha said his “sins” was his political allegiance to Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate in the 2024 elections.
He described his ordeal as driven by political vendetta rather than legitimate governance concerns, adding, “my only offence was standing by my party candidate instead of supporting Governor Okpebholo, who hails from the same ward in Esan Central as myself.”
“As a loyal member of the PDP and I was duty-bound to support my party’s candidate. It is not a crime to work for one’s party. However, the governor has taken my political stance personally and is using his office to punish me.”
Iyoha further alleged that the governor openly vowed that he would not be reinstated as chairman, citing a video purportedly showing Iyoha campaigning against him during the election.
“The governor told people that I will never return to my position because I opposed him politically. This is unfair and undemocratic,” he added.
Continuing, Iyoha recounts the challenges he faced during the Edo governorship election, adding that he faced intimidation, including an attack on his residence, the abduction of his brother, and threats to his safety.
He claimed these actions were parts of a broader effort to suppress opposition voices in the State.
Iyaho added, “Despite the tensions, I attended the governor’s inauguration and I sent a congratulatory message, as a gesture of my respect for the office.”
He however criticized the administration for politicizing governance by involving party figures in official matters just as he expressed confidence in getting justice at the court.
