The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has declared the suspension of the Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the 18 Local Government Areas in Edo State as both illegal and unconstitutional.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, the AGF emphasized that the removal or suspension of any elected local government official is solely the responsibility of the Councilors in the respective LGA.
The Minister of Justice affirmed that his stance is in accordance with the Supreme Court’s ruling on July 11, which granted autonomy to the 774 local government areas across the country.
“One thing that I know and can say without fear is that under the present dispensation, the Governor has no right to remove any local government chairman.
“That much I know. If I did not know before, since July 11, 2024, I became aware of it that removal of any local government chairman or official would be the prerogative of that local government, through their legislative house,” the AGF stated.
He explained that his initial hesitation to respond to the situation was due to his desire to understand the reasons behind the reported suspension of the LGA officials in Edo State.
It should be noted that the Edo State House of Assembly suspended the chairmen and vice-chairmen of the local government areas (LGAs) for two months, citing alleged gross misconduct and insubordination.
The Assembly instructed the suspended council leaders to hand over their responsibilities to the legislative leaders of their respective local governments.
This move came after a letter from Governor Monday Okpebholo, who accused the council officials of insubordination, claiming they had failed to submit their financial reports from September 23, 2022, to the present, as required.
The LGA officials have since rejected the suspension, insisting they will remain in office until their tenure ends in 2026.
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