In a significant political upheaval, Paul Iyoha, the Chairman of Esan Central Local Government Area in Edo State, has been impeached, becoming the fourth local government official to face such a fate under Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo’s administration. Iyoha’s removal has ignited allegations of political vendetta, raising questions about the integrity of local governance in the state.
Addressing journalists in Benin City, Iyoha expressed his intention to challenge the impeachment in court, claiming he was denied a fair hearing prior to his suspension by the Edo State House of Assembly. He contends that his political allegiance to Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate for the upcoming 2024 elections, was the real reason behind his ousting.
“I was not given a fair hearing before being suspended,” Iyoha stated, asserting that his only “sin” was supporting his party’s candidate instead of backing Governor Okpebholo, who shares the same ward in Esan Central.
The impeached chairman described the actions against him as part of a broader strategy to silence opposition voices in Edo State. “It is not a crime to work for one’s party. However, the governor has taken my political stance personally and is using his office to punish me,” he added.
The recent wave of impeachments has also affected local governments in Egor, Uhunmwonde, Owan East, and Orhionmwon, raising concerns about political stability and the treatment of elected officials in the region. As Iyoha prepares to pursue legal action, the political landscape in Edo State remains tense, with many watching closely for developments in this unfolding story.
