The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has declared the suspension of local government chairmen and vice chairmen in Edo State by the state House of Assembly as illegal and unconstitutional.
This decision, based on the Supreme Court’s July 11 judgment granting autonomy to Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, highlights the protection of local governance from undue interference.
Prince Fagbemi emphasized that the authority to suspend or remove any elected local government official rests solely with the legislative councils of the affected LGAs.
Speaking in Abuja, he stated, “Under the present dispensation, no governor has the right to remove any local government chairman. That much I know. Removal would be the prerogative of that local government through their legislative house.”
The suspension, initially directed by Governor Monday Okpebholo over alleged insubordination and failure to submit financial reports, has faced stiff resistance from the affected officials.
They have vowed to remain in office until their term expires in 2026.
Meanwhile, the AGF’s declaration is seen as a necessary step to ensure the smooth running of local governance, fostering autonomy and rule of law across the country.
