The crisis in Edo State’s local government councils escalated on Thursday, with reports of gunmen allegedly invading Uhunmwode Local Government headquarters in Egor, leaving several injured.
Kenneth Adodo, chairman of Uhunmwode LGA, accused police officers from the Edo State Government House of involvement in the attack.
The unrest followed the impeachment of Uhunmwode and Orhionmwon council chairmen by elected councillors. In Orhionmwon, councillors ousted House Leader Hon Daniel Osariemen, replacing him with Hon Chuks Isan, amid claims of plans to impeach council leadership.
Owan East LGA Chairman, Prince Aminu Okodo-Kadiri, rejected his impeachment, calling the process unconstitutional and accusing councillors of failing to follow the Edo State Local Government Law of 2000.
Okodo-Kadiri also dismissed allegations of embezzlement against council chairmen, citing clear financial records and timely salary payments.
The crisis adds to tensions following the Edo State Assembly’s recent suspension of all council chairmen and vice-chairmen over alleged insubordination and financial misconduct.