The Chairman of Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State, Hon. Prince Aminu Okodo-Kadiri, has said his purported impeachment and that of his deputy, Hon. Clement Ojebuovbo is unconstitutional and illegal.
The impeachment was initiated by councillors of 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) which outlined specific procedures for the removal of council executives.
Okodo stated that none of the stipulated processes—such as presenting the allegations and signed by two-thirds of councillors.
He also argued that the councillors failed to establish a seven-member investigative panel as mandated by the law, even as he was denied the opportunity to defend himself before such a panel.
Okodo accused the Edo state hovernor, Senator Monday Okpebholo of orchestrating the impeachment.
He alleged that the councillors were summoned to the Government House and offered ₦25 million each to sign documents supporting the removal of council chairmen across the state.
Okodo also refuted allegations of financial mismanagement, particularly claims involving ₦50 million reportedly allocated to councils for salary payments.
According to him, “the governor alleged that council chairmen embezzled ₦50 million meant for salaries, but this claim lacks merit.
“Monthly salary expenditures far exceed ₦50 million in most councils and salaries were paid promptly up to November, contrary to the governor’s claims.”
Clement however vowed to seek justice in court and expressed confidence in the judiciary to overturn what he discribed as the illegal and politically motivated impeachment.
