Speaking to reporters outside the council building, Dr. Obaseki called the event a “very disturbing trend.” Citing the existence of a restraining order, he underlined the necessity for security forces to step in.
Despite a recent ruling by the Edo State High Court that nullified the suspension of the 18 local government council chairmen, which had been imposed by the Edo State House of Assembly in response to a petition by Governor Monday Okpebholo, accusing them of insubordination and gross misconduct, the crisis between elected local government executives and the state government took a dramatic turn on Monday at the Oredo Local Government Council Secretariat in Edo State when suspected political thugs took control of the premises and prevented the council chairman, Dr. Tom Obaseki, from entering his office.
As a result, Dr. Obaseki, who had resumed work for the day, was forced to retreat.
“We are calling on the security agencies to arrest the situation,” Dr. Obaseki said. “What is important is that we have a restraining order.”
In contrast, the Council Chairman of Orhionmwon Local Government, Newton Ugiagbe, was able to access his office and perform his official duties without any hindrance.
