Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has declared that Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, lacks the constitutional authority to suspend elected local government chairmen.
Governor Okpebholo had on December 17, 2024, directed the Edo State House of Assembly to suspend the 18 local government chairmen and their deputies over alleged insubordination and failure to submit financial statements. Acting on the governor’s order, the Assembly announced their suspension.
However, speaking to journalists at a public function in his office on Thursday, Fagbemi faulted the action, insisting that only the legislative arm of local governments has the power to suspend or remove council chairmen.
He stressed that under the existing legal framework, governors cannot unilaterally suspend or remove local government officials without following due process of law.
