Suspected political thugs on Tuesday took over the Oredo Local Government Council Secretariat, thereby preventing the Council Chairman, Dr. Tom Obaseki, from gaining access to his office.

Armed with dangerous weapons, the thugs took strategic positions at the secretariat, chanting war songs.

The development forced the embattled council boss who had resumed work for the day to retreat.

Obaseki who spoke with journalists outside the council premises said: “I came here to continue my work as elected chairman of Oredo local government, I met a whole lot of thugs who have already overtaken the council.

“This is a very disturbing trend. We are calling on the security agencies to arrest the situation.

“What is important is that we have a restraining order.”

Obaseki resumed for the day, following the Edo State High Court ruling on Friday which nullified his suspension alongside 17 other councils chairmen.

The 18 council chairmen and their deputies were suspended by the Edo State House of Assembly following a petition by Governor Monday Okpebholo during which the latter alleged insubordination and gross misconduct.

Meanwhile, In Orhionmwon Local Government, the council chairman, Mr. Newton Ugiagbe, resumed and performed his official duties unhindered.

The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the council Boss, Mr. Roy Oseriemen said: “although the All Progressives Congress (APC) thugs tried to disrupt the smooth running of the council, but they were resisted by the good people of Orhionmwon.

“Apart from those skirmishes, the council chairman and the legislative arm worked on Monday unhindered.

“This is because they are on the same page in the delivery of good governance to the people.”