Court Orders Status Quo in Edo LG Chairmen Suspension Dispute

A Federal High Court in Abuja has directed all parties involved in the suspension of 18 local government chairmen in Edo State to maintain the status quo. Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order on Monday, following an ex-parte motion filed by the affected council chairmen.

During the proceedings, Anderson Asemota, the lawyer representing the chairmen, argued for the restoration of their positions. However, Justice Nwite urged caution, stating that he would only order the status quo to be maintained until the substantive suit is heard and decided. “I will only make an order for parties to maintain status quo pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit,” the judge said.

The chairmen involved in the case include Kelly Inedegbor of Esan North East and Tajudeen Alade of Akoko-Edo. The suspension of these officials has been linked to accusations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and failure to perform their duties. The move to remove them was reportedly agreed upon unanimously by local councillors in Uromi, the headquarters of Esan East.

The court’s ruling ensures that the situation will remain unchanged until a full hearing of the case takes place. The decision marks the latest development in a tense dispute over local governance in Edo State.