Local government operations in Edo State returned to normalcy as suspended chairmen of Esan South East, Esan North East, and Etsako West resumed office after a State High Court ruling. The court, led by Justice Efe Ikponmwonba, declared the suspensions illegal, ordering the immediate reinstatement of the affected officials.
The ruling has been hailed as a win for democracy and judicial independence. Barrister Anthony Ehilebo, media adviser to PDP gubernatorial candidate Asue Ighodalo, applauded the decision, calling it a defense of constitutional rights and local government autonomy.
Governor Monday Okpebholo faced criticism for the suspensions, seen by many as politically motivated. However, the state government insists the actions were lawful, with panel member Kassim Afegbua asserting on AIT’s Democracy Today that “an injunction cannot reverse completed actions.”
Federal authorities, including President Bola Tinubu and Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, were praised for their neutrality, underscoring a commitment to democratic principles.
Reinstated officials, such as Hon. Louis Imhandegbelo of Esan South East, expressed gratitude to the judiciary and vowed to focus on delivering their mandates. Analysts believe this ruling, reinforced by the Supreme Court’s recent judgment on local government autonomy, sets a strong precedent for future governance disputes.
