The crisis between elected local government executives and the state government took a dramatic turn on Monday at the Oredo Local Government Council Secretariat in Edo State, as suspected political thugs took control of the premises, preventing the Council Chairman, Dr. Tom Obaseki, from accessing his office.
The thugs, armed with dangerous weapons, strategically positioned themselves around the secretariat, chanting war songs.
This forced Dr. Obaseki, who had resumed work for the day, to retreat.
The incident occurred despite a recent Edo State High Court ruling that nullified the suspension of the 18 Local Government Council chairmen. The suspension had been imposed by the Edo State House of Assembly following a petition by Governor Monday Okpebholo, who alleged insubordination and gross misconduct.
Dr Obaseki, speaking to journalists outside the council premises, described the incident as a “very disturbing trend.” He emphasized the need for security agencies to intervene, citing the existence of a restraining order.
“We are calling on the security agencies to arrest the situation,” Dr. Obaseki said. “What is important is that we have a restraining order.”
In contrast, the Council Chairman of Orhionmwon Local Government, Newton Ugiagbe, was able to access his office and perform his official duties without any hindrance.
