Following the condemnation that trailed the appointment of Dr. Osaheni Igbinigie as the acting chairman of the Oredo Local Government Council, the Edo State Government on Tuesday withdrew the offer.
Edo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr Lucky Eseigbe, had appointed an Acting Chairman for Oredo Local Government Council in a letter dated 3 February 2025.
However, the appointment sparked outrage, with critics condemning it as a violation of democratic principles. Faced with mounting backlash, Eseigbe made a u-turn. In a letter signed by Mr G. O. Igberase, the commissioner formally withdrew the contentious appointment.
In addition, Legal Counsel to the Chairman of the Oredo Government Council, Olayiwola Afolabi (SAN), issued a stern warning to the Commissioner, threatening to initiate contempt proceedings if the appointment was not rescinded within 48 hours.
In a strongly worded letter, the Senior Advocate described the appointment as “superfluous, insidious, and an affront to the democratic principles of our nation.”
Some stakeholders, who include Oseye Imudia, said that the state government’s withdrawal of Dr. Osaheni Igbinigie’s appointment as acting chairman of the Oredo Local Government Council is a significant development that indicates that the executive arm of the government has acknowledged its limitations in interfering with local government operations.
He added that the withdrawal also implies that the government’s actions since December 2024 may have been illegitimate as it’s essential to recognize that local government autonomy is a fundamental principle of democratic governance.
A letter addressed to Emmanuel Olaiwola Afolabi, SAN, counsel to the chairman of the Oredo Government Council, with reference No: F/MLG/170/12/TA/Volii/5 titled: “re-appointment As Acting Chairman of Oredo Local Government Council” dated February 7, 2024, revealed the retraction of the earlier appointment.
“The initial appointment letter, dated on the 3rd day of February, and signed by Dr. Lucky Esiegbe, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, was widely condemned for violating the autonomous power of the Local Government Council LGC, despite citing the purported suspension of the 18 Council Chairmen and their vices,” Oseye said.
Eseigbe, was given a 24-hour ultimatum to withdraw the appointment of Dr. Osaheni Igbinigie, as Acting Chairman of Oredo Local Government Council, or face contempt of court charge.
However, the withdrawal of the appointment letter comes after mounting pressure and widespread criticism from various stakeholders, who argued that the appointment was illegal and undermined the separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“This development is seen as a significant victory for advocates of good governance and the rule of law in Edo State and an outright call for the resumption of the 18 LGC Chairmen and their vice,” Oseye said.
“The state government’s decision to withdraw the appointment letter demonstrates its beginning to shift grounds to recognize President Bola Tinubu’s desire and respect for the autonomy of local government councils.
“As the Edo State government takes steps to correct its past mistakes, the Edo State House of Assembly must also take responsibility for its actions.”
Oseye said that the Assembly’s decision to suspend the 18 local government chairmen and vice chairmen, based on a petition by Governor Monday Okpebholo, should be revisited.
“To redeem itself, the Assembly must now lift the purported suspension, which was premised on allegations of gross misconduct and insubordination.
“This move would be a significant step towards upholding the principles of democracy and the rule of law in Edo State.”
