Ovia North-East LG: 11 councillors reject chairman’s impeachment

The political crisis in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State escalated as 11 out of 13 councillors dissociated themselves from the purported impeachment of the Executive Chairman, Mr. Collins Ogbewe.

In a detailed joint statement, the councillors dismissed the impeachment as illegitimate, citing procedural and legal irregularities.

The statement, signed by the 11 councillors, clarified that the two councillors behind the impeachment—Omoruyi Igbinake, the former House Leader, and Ahmed Asemota—had previously been impeached and suspended from the legislative arm. As such, the purported impeachment lacked legal and legislative standing.

The councillors, who represent various wards in the local government area, expressed their unwavering support for Mr. Ogbewe. Signatories to the statement included Friday Efionayi (Okada West Ward 1), Aigheyisi Ogido Paul (Okada East Ward 2), Ekhator Kelvin (Uhen Ward 3), Ighodalo Stanley (Adolor Ward 4), Igbinovia Harrison (Ofumwegbe Ward 5), and Eke Eugene (Uhiere Ward 7). Others were Ikponmwonsa Monday (Isiuwa Ward 8), Oluwafemi Uyi Ojo (Okhokhuo Ward 9), Regele Francess (Oghede Ward 10), Aimufua Monday (Oduna Ward 11), and Nogheghase Johnson (Igueoshodin Ward 12).

They maintained that any decision or action taken by the suspended councillors lacked credibility and called on the public and stakeholders to disregard it. “We urge the public not to transact business with any person or group of persons acting against the duly elected Executive Chairman of the Council, Mr. Collins Ogbewe,” the councillors stated.

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The crisis took a dramatic turn during a recent plenary session presided over by the Deputy House Leader, Aimufua Monday. During the session, a motion was moved by Councillor Ighodalo Stanley (Adolor Ward 4) and seconded by Councillor Friday Efionayi (Okada West Ward 1) to impeach Omoruyi Igbinake and Ahmed Asemota from their positions. The motion passed unanimously, and Oluwafemi Uyi Ojo (Okhokhuo Ward 9) was elected as the new House Leader.

This reshuffle, according to the 11 councillors, renders any actions taken by the impeached councillors null and void. They emphasized that the purported impeachment of Mr. Ogbewe did not follow due process and was orchestrated by individuals no longer recognized as part of the legislative arm.

Political analysts have described the situation as a reflection of the deepening factionalism in local governance. Dr. Emmanuel Omoruyi, a political scientist at the University of Benin, noted that the crisis underscores the need for stronger institutional checks and balances in local government operations.

“This type of conflict often arises when political interests override procedural adherence. The suspension of the councillors who initiated the impeachment raises questions about the legality of their actions,” Dr. Omoruyi remarked.

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Another analyst, Mrs. Stella Aigbogun, highlighted the broader implications of the crisis. “When local governance is destabilized, the delivery of essential services to residents is compromised. The councillors must resolve this crisis swiftly to restore public confidence in the council’s leadership,” she stated.

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As the crisis unfolds, stakeholders in Ovia North-East Local Government Area are calling for calm and a resolution that prioritizes governance over political rivalries. The 11 councillors reiterated their commitment to supporting Mr. Ogbewe, vowing to uphold stability and ensure the council delivers on its mandate.

Observers suggest that intervention by higher authorities, including the Edo State Government, may be necessary to mediate the conflict and restore normalcy in the local government area.