•Fagbemi
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has declared the suspension of Local Government Area Chairmen and Vice Chairmen in Edo State as unconstitutional and illegal.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja today, the AGF emphasised that such actions violate the autonomy granted to LGAs by the Supreme Court’s July 11, 2024, judgment, reports The PUNCH.
The controversy arose after the Edo State Assembly suspended the council leaders from all 18 LGAs for two months, citing alleged gross misconduct and insubordination.
Governor Monday Okpebholo followed up with directives for the council leaders to hand over to their respective legislative leaders, accusing them of failing to submit financial reports dating back to September 23, 2022.
The affected officials, however, rejected the suspension order, maintaining their intention to remain in office until their tenure expires in 2026.
The AGF unequivocally condemned the suspension, highlighting that only the local government legislative houses hold the authority to discipline their leaders.
“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,” Fagbemi stated.
“If I did not know before, since July 11, 2024, I became aware that the removal of any local government chairman or official would be the prerogative of that local government, through their legislative house.”
Fagbemi’s stance is rooted in the Supreme Court ruling that affirmed the autonomy of the 774 LGAs across Nigeria.
This judgment restricted governors from interfering with the affairs of elected LG officials.
