The political atmosphere in Edo State was shaken on Tuesday as the Chairman of Akoko-Edo Local Government, Hon. Alabi Bliss Oshionogue, was impeached by councillors amid deepening internal disputes.
The impeachment came just hours after lawmakers in the Edo State House of Assembly failed to broker peace between the council chairman and seven councillors.
However, the situation quickly escalated, leading to his removal from office on the same day.
According to reports, the impeachment was carried out through a letter signed by seven councillors of the Akoko-Edo Legislative Arm.
The councillors reportedly moved swiftly to Igarra, the local government headquarters, where the decision was formalised and announced.
Sources said tensions had been brewing following alleged attempts by three councillors, who were absent from the peace meeting, to remove the seven councillors.
Moreover, those actions reportedly backfired, as the seats of the three councillors were subsequently declared vacant, further complicating the crisis.
In the impeachment letter, the councillors accused the chairman of several serious offences. The letter stated:
“We, the undersigned members of Akoko Edo Local Government Area Legislative Arm hereby impeach you as the acting Local Government Council Chairman with effect from today the 28th January, 2026.”
The letter further detailed the allegations, adding: “This decision is as a result of your abuse of office, high handedness, embezzlements of Council funds, anti-party activities, financial recklessness, forgery and constant disobedient to constituted authorities”.
Meanwhile, the sudden development has sparked conversations across the local government area.
However, it remains unclear whether Hon. Oshionogue will challenge the impeachment through legal means or seek political redress. In addition, there has been no official response from the former chairman as of the time of filing this report.
Therefore, attention is now shifting to the Edo State Government and relevant authorities on the next steps, including possible investigations into the allegations raised.
