Chaos In Edo: Thugs Seize LG Secretariat, Block Chairman’s Access Amid Growing Tension

On Monday, suspected political thugs seized control of the Oredo Local Government Area secretariat in Edo State, blocking council chairman Tom Obaseki from entering his office.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The armed hoodlums, chanting war songs and strategically positioning themselves around the secretariat, created a tense and volatile environment.

Obaseki, who arrived to resume his duties, was forced to retreat and speak to journalists outside the premises. He voiced his concerns, saying, “I came here to continue my work as the elected chairman of Oredo Local Government. Instead, I was met by a large group of thugs who had already taken over the council.”

“This is a very disturbing trend,” he continued, calling on security agencies to intervene. “What’s important is that we have a restraining order in place.”

The incident follows a ruling by the Edo State High Court on Friday that nullified the suspension of Obaseki and 17 other council chairmen by the Edo State House of Assembly.

The assembly had suspended the 18 chairmen and their deputies after a petition from Governor Monday Okpebholo, accusing them of insubordination and gross misconduct.

Meanwhile, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), stated that the Edo State House of Assembly lacks the constitutional authority to suspend elected chairmen and their deputies.