Justice Prevails! Court Reinstates Etsako West Chairman And Deputy After Dramatic Impeachment Reversal

An Edo State High Court sitting in Auchi has overturned the impeachment of Etsako West Local Government Chairman, Zibiri Marvellous, and his deputy, Benji Ojietu. The court ruled that the process leading to their removal did not comply with the legal provisions outlined in the Edo State Local Government Law.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Delivering the judgment on Thursday, Justice O. M. Obayuwana declared the impeachment null and void, citing procedural flaws and non-adherence to the law. The court highlighted the failure to establish a seven-member investigative panel, the absence of a review by the Edo State House of Assembly, and improper service of the impeachment notice—all in violation of Section 19 of the Edo State Local Government Law 2000 (as amended in 2002).

Justice Obayuwana stated, “The respondents failed to meet essential legal conditions,” rendering the entire impeachment process invalid. Consequently, the court declared the removal of the two officials illegal.

The ruling further directed the Inspector General of Police to guarantee the security of Marvellous and Ojietu upon their return to office. A perpetual injunction was also issued, restraining the respondents from disrupting their official functions. Additionally, the court awarded ₦1 million in damages to each claimant for the unlawful impeachment.

The impeachment came after Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo called for the suspension of all 18 local government chairmen in the state, accusing them of disobedience. The Etsako West Legislative Council subsequently moved to remove Marvellous and Ojietu, intensifying the standoff between the local and state governments.

Reacting to the judgment, Marvellous described it as a triumph for democracy and urged Governor Okpebholo to comply with the court’s decision.

“This is a victory for democracy,” Marvellous said. “I call on Governor Okpebholo to obey the ruling and allow my deputy and I to return to our duties.”