Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has cautioned Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, that he lacks the constitutional power to suspend local government chairmen.
The warning comes after Governor Okpebholo directed the Edo State House of Assembly to suspend all 18 local government chairmen and their deputies on December 17, 2024, for allegedly failing to submit their financial statements, citing insubordination and misconduct.
Responding to questions from journalists on Thursday, AGF Fagbemi faulted the governor’s action, stressing that only the legislative arm of the local government has the authority to suspend or remove chairmen.
He noted that the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment delivered on July 11, 2024, had redefined local government administration and strengthened its autonomy.
According to him:
“It must be stated categorically and emphatically that for now, local government chairmen can only be removed through the legislative arm of the local government itself and not the State House of Assembly.”
Fagbemi emphasized that governors no longer have the unilateral power to dissolve or suspend elected local government officials without following due legal process.
