• Accuses Okpebholo of backing illegality

The Chairman of Owan East Local Council of Edo State, Prince Aminu Okodo-Kadiri, yesterday, said his purported impeachment and that of his deputy, Clement Ojebuovbo, is unconstitutional and illegal. 
 
The impeachment was initiated by the council’s legislative arm over alleged misconduct against the duo. Okodo, who addressed journalists in Benin City, said the impeachment processes were fraught with irregularities which, according to him, violated provisions of the law.
 
 He referenced the Edo State Local Government Law of 2000 (as amended in 2002), outlining specific procedures for the removal of council executives.  
He stated that none of the stipulated processes was followed, such as presenting allegations signed by two-thirds of councillors, setting up an investigative panel of independent individuals, and adhering to timelines during the proceedings.
  
Okodo also noted that the councillors failed to establish a seven-member investigative panel as mandated by law, even as he was denied the opportunity to defend himself before such a panel. He pointed out that the Mace used during the impeachment was not the official Mace of the Owan East Loca Council, thereby invalidating the process.
 
He accused Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, of orchestrating the impeachment, alleging that the councillors were summoned to the Government House and offered money to sign documents supporting the removal of council chairmen across the state.  
  
Okodo also refuted allegations of financial mismanagement, particularly claims involving N50 million reportedly allocated to councils for salary payments. He said, “The governor alleged that council chairmen embezzled N50 million meant for salaries, but this claim lacks merit.
 
“Monthly salary expenditures far exceed N50 million in most councils and salaries were paid promptly up to November, contrary to the governor’s claims. “If funds were misappropriated, where is the proof? Our bank records are clear, and no salaries are owed. “More so, the purported impeachment revealed that two key councillors were involved in the process that had been suspended for gross misconduct before the session.”
 
He added that the suspended councillors’ participation in the process rendered the proceedings invalid, emphasising that his office was never notified of their reinstatement, as required by due process. Okodo, however, vowed to seek justice through the judiciary.