An Edo State High Court in Auchi, Edo State, has nullified the impeachment of the Chairman of Etsako West Local Government Area, Zibiri Marvellous, and his deputy, Benji Ojietu.
In a judgment delivered on Thursday, Justice O. M. Obayuwana ruled that the impeachment process was null and void, citing a failure to comply with Section 19 of the Edo State Local Government Law 2000 (as amended in 2002).
The court held that the respondents failed to meet key statutory requirements, including the establishment of a seven-member investigative panel, a review of the panel’s findings by the Edo State House of Assembly, and the proper service of an impeachment notice to the claimants.
Consequently, the court declared the removal of Marvellous and Ojietu illegal and void.
It also directed the Inspector General of Police to ensure the claimants’ safety upon their return to office and issued a perpetual injunction restraining the respondents from interfering with their official duties.
Additionally, the court awarded N1m in damages to each of the claimants as compensation.
The impeachment followed an earlier move by the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who had called for the suspension of all 18 local government chairmen in the state over alleged insubordination.
The Etsako West Legislative Council subsequently moved to impeach Marvellous and his deputy — a development that deepened tensions between the local administration and the state government.
Reacting to the judgment, Marvellous described it as a triumph for democratic principles and urged Governor Okpebholo to respect the court’s decision.
“This victory is for democracy. I appeal to Governor Okpebholo to obey the court order so that my deputy and I can resume our duties,” he said.
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