Owan East Local Government chairman, Hon. Prince Aminu Okodo-Kadiri, has declared his impeachment unconstitutional. He also rejected the impeachment of his deputy, Hon. Clement Ojebuovbo.
Okodo-Kadiri spoke to journalists in Benin City, explaining that the Edo State Local Government Law was ignored. The law clearly outlines steps for removing council executives, including allegations signed by two-thirds of councillors and the creation of an independent investigative panel. None of these steps were followed.
He pointed out that the council never set up the required seven-member panel. Okodo-Kadiri said he was not allowed to defend himself before the panel. The chairman also stressed that the mace used during the impeachment was not official, further invalidating the process.
Okodo-Kadiri refuted claims of financial mismanagement. The governor accused council chairmen of embezzling N50 million meant for salaries. However, Okodo-Kadiri said this amount was far below the actual monthly salary expenditure. He added that salaries had been paid on time up until November 2024.
The chairman also questioned the involvement of two suspended councillors in the impeachment process. He claimed that Hon. Haruna Mohammed and another councillor from Ward Seven were suspended before the session. Their participation, he said, made the proceedings invalid.
Okodo-Kadiri vowed to take the case to court. He promised to fight for justice and uphold the rule of law. This impeachment is baseless and unconstitutional,” he said. “I will rely on the judiciary to restore justice.
The legal battle over the impeachment now heads to the courts.
