Legal Controversy: AGF Declares Suspension of Edo LGA Leaders Illegal
The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has declared the suspension of the chairmen and vice chairmen of the 18 local government areas in Edo State as illegal and unconstitutional.
The Edo State House of Assembly had suspended these officials for two months, citing alleged gross misconduct and insubordination.
Governor Monday Okpebholo accused them of failing to submit financial reports from September 23, 2022, to date, as directed.
In response, the AGF emphasized that, based on the Supreme Court’s judgment of July 11, 2024, which granted autonomy to the 774 local government areas in Nigeria, the removal or suspension of any elected local government official is the prerogative of the local government’s legislative arm, not the state governor or state assembly.
He stated, “Under the present dispensation, the governor has no right to remove any local government chairman.”
The suspended officials have rejected the suspension, asserting their intention to remain in office until their tenure expires in 2026.