The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has sharply criticised Governor Monday Okpebholo, accusing his administration of flouting court orders reinstating elected local government chairmen across the state.

The party described the governor’s conduct as a “direct assault on the judiciary” and warned of a looming constitutional crisis.

At a press conference held in Benin City on Wednesday, the PDP warned that the state government’s continued refusal to comply with recent High Court rulings could plunge Edo into administrative instability and further erode democratic governance at the grassroots.

The dispute centres on the suspension and impeachment of several council chairmen by the Edo State House of Assembly—moves that the PDP claims were orchestrated at the behest of the governor, in defiance of judicial authority.

Two separate court rulings last week declared the removals illegal and ordered the immediate reinstatement of the affected officials.

In one case, Hon. Tajudeen Alade, Chairman of Akoko-Edo Local Government, was declared to have been unlawfully removed. Justice B.A. Okoh ordered his immediate reinstatement and instructed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure his protection while resuming duties.

In another ruling, Justice O.M. Obayuwana of the Edo State High Court found that the impeachment of Hon. Zibiri Marvelous and Hon. Benji Ojietu, Chairman and Vice Chairman of Etsako West Local Government, respectively, was unconstitutional and contravened Section 19 of the Edo State Local Government Law.
The court issued a perpetual injunction restraining the state government from further interference and awarded ₦1 million in costs against the councillors involved.

PDP State Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, accused the governor of “treating judicial authority with contempt” and warned that the persistent refusal to implement court rulings could set a “dangerous precedent.”

“The Constitution is clear.

The courts have spoken. Yet the Okpebholo-led government persists in its illegal occupation of local council offices, even after the Supreme Court unequivocally ruled that state governors cannot remove elected local government chairmen,” he said.

Dr. Aziegbemi added that the erosion of local government structures was worsening poverty and insecurity across the state and urged immediate compliance with the judicial decisions.

“This situation must not be allowed to fester. The erosion of grassroots governance is already contributing to deepening insecurity and economic hardship. Restoring the rule of law at the local level is essential for stability,” he said.

The controversy adds to an already tense political climate in the state. Governor Okpebholo, whose victory in the September 21 governorship election was declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is currently facing a legal challenge at the Court of Appeal in Abuja from PDP candidate Dr. Asue Ighodalo.