Edo: Thugs block Oredo council chairman amid political tensions

Tensions flared on Monday at the Oredo Local Government Council Secretariat in Edo State as suspected political thugs armed with dangerous weapons took over the premises, effectively barring the Council Chairman, Phar. Tom Obaseki, from accessing his office.

The group, chanting war songs and adopting strategic positions around the secretariat, forced Obaseki to retreat after arriving to resume his official duties.

This development comes just days after the Edo State High Court nullified his suspension alongside 17 other council chairmen and their deputies.

Speaking with journalists outside the council premises, Obaseki expressed deep concern over the situation, describing it as a “disturbing trend.”

“I came here to continue my work as the elected chairman of Oredo Local Government, but I was met with a whole lot of thugs who have overtaken the council,” he said.

“This is very troubling. We are calling on the security agencies to arrest the situation. What is important is that we have a restraining order.”

The embattled council chairman had attempted to resume duties following a court ruling on Friday that invalidated the suspension imposed by the Edo State House of Assembly.

The suspension of all 18 council chairmen and their deputies came after Governor Monday Okpebholo submitted a petition accusing them of insubordination and gross misconduct.

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While Obaseki faced disruption in Oredo, a different scenario played out in Orhionmwon Local Government Area.

In Orhionmwon LGA, Council Chairman Mr. Newton Ugiagbe successfully resumed work and conducted official duties without significant hindrance. Despite an attempt by alleged All Progressives Congress (APC) thugs to disrupt activities, the situation was swiftly brought under control.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Orhionmwon Council Chairman, Mr. Roy Osariemen, provided updates to reporters, emphasizing the council’s resilience.

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“Although APC thugs tried to disrupt the smooth running of the council, they were resisted by the good people of Orhionmwon,” Osariemen stated.

“Apart from that skirmish, the council chairman and the legislative arm worked on Monday unhindered. This unity is key to delivering good governance to the people.”

Political analysts have expressed concerns over the increasing use of violence and intimidation in local governance disputes.

“This incident underscores a worrying trend of political thuggery undermining democratic processes in Nigeria,” said Dr. Felicia Adediran, a political scientist at the University of Benin.

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“The focus should be on governance, not on strong-arm tactics that intimidate elected officials and create instability.”

Legal experts have also weighed in, calling for the enforcement of the court’s ruling. “The judiciary’s decision must be respected, and any attempt to flout it is a direct attack on the rule of law,” said Barrister Moses Igbinedion. “Security agencies must ensure that the safety of elected officials is guaranteed.”

The situation in Oredo and Orhionmwon highlights the deepening divide within Edo State’s political landscape, with power struggles threatening the effective delivery of governance.

Observers have called on Governor Okpebholo to foster dialogue and ensure that local governments operate without undue interference. Meanwhile, residents of Oredo await a resolution to the standoff, which has left the council’s operations in limbo.

As the dust settles, the need for political maturity and adherence to democratic principles remains paramount for the stability and progress of Edo State.