Edo Youths Protest Suspension Of Council Chairmen
Tracy Ohovwore, Benin city
Concerned youths of Edo state have demanded that the government and members of the House of Assembly address the unduly suspended elected council chairmen and their vices on Monday, 10, 2025, following the Letter of request of the governor, Monday Okpebholo.
The Youths marched down to the House of Assembly with placards on Monday, 10, 2025, requesting an immediate response from the Speaker.
Speaking, the protest convener, Comrade Joseph Gbale, expressed his displeasure over the dismissal of the council chairmen as a measure against the rule of law. He demanded that the people be assessed as the reason for the unjustified suspension.
According to him, “it is worthy to note that our elected chairmen have been suspended for over two months despite the fact that the suspension did not follow due process.
“However, it’s been over two months following the unconstitutional suspension and Edo people have been patiently waiting to from the house, the findings of the committee that was up to look into this case of insubordination as alleged by Mr Governor.
“It is instructive that the speaker and the house must note that they owe Edo people an explanation as to why they have kept us in the dark for over two months having suspended those we elected to represent us at the grassroots.” Gbale said.
The protesters demanded a seven-day ultimatum to address the findings of the committee set up to investigate the council chairmen’s insubordination.
Also, the youths decried the unconstitutional abeyance of the local council chairmen’s autonomy as a disregard for the local government law of 2000, as amended, which gives the house the power to ratify any impeachment made by the local government councilors.
Addressing the protesters, Honorable Sunday Ojiezele representing Esan South East local government, acknowledged their presence and appealed to the protesters to keep calm as their complaints were acknowledged.
According to him, “we have heard all your complaints and I’m saying now that there was no way the speaker could have left the chamber to attend to you.
“Now that you have dropped your official letter containing your complaints, we will look into it very closely and in no distant time, we will get back to you.” Hon. Ojiezele pleaded.
He also informed the protesters to send in delegates on their agreed date to deliberate on the complaints that have been directed to the House of Assembly.
“I appeal to you, we are going to look into your paper very closely and justice will be done concerning your request.” He added.
