Court Declares Impeachment Of Akoko-Edo Council Boss Illegal, Orders Reinstatement, Faults Okpebholo

By Idahosa Musa

An Edo State High Court sitting in Igarra, AKoko-Edo Local Government Council on Wednesday declared the impeachment of the elected Chairman of the local government, Hon Tajudeen Alade, illegal and ordered his immediate reinstatement.

In his ruling, the presiding Judge, Justice E. A. Okoh, directed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun to provide Alade with the needed security to resume office.

Justice Okoh in his declarative Judgement also said the Court has jurisdiction contrary to the argument put forward by the state government that the court lacks jurisdiction over the matter. 

The Suit marked B/30os/2025 have SulemanTajudeen Alade and Mrs. Beatrice Abukare as claimants, Alabi Oshionogue, Tope Jacon, Akosile Imashimi, Pendo Adeche, Afolabi Monday (as Councilors), Akoko-Edo Local Government Legislative Council, Akoko-Edo local government council, the Vice Chairman of Akoko-Edo local government council and the Inspector General of Police as Defendants.

Alade through originating summons, prayed the Court to declare his purported impeachment “illegal null and void and of no effect whatsoever” among several other demands.Hide original message

Reacting to the judgment, Counsel to the claimants, Asemota Anderson said “In the eye of the law, no impeachment was ever done in the first place.

 “The Court found that there was indeed non compliance with the procedure stipulated under Section 19 of the Edo State local government law, and that the man was not given fair hearing before his removal.

“The Court went further to declare that the removal was unlawful and not in compliance with the constitution of the land and therefore null and void

“The court set aside the removal and ordered his immediate restoration and return to office, it is a declarative judgment and implementation takes effect immediately.”

When contacted, the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Lucky Esiegbe said the government has filed for a stay of execution and already filed an appeal, saying that the judgment would not stand.

He said he was confident that the Court of Appeal would overturn the ruling, adding that he believed that the judge was misled into a case that he had no jurisdiction.