On Monday, the Etsako West Local Government Secretariat in Edo State was overrun by suspected thugs, leaving Chairman Marvellous Zibiri and his staff unable to enter their offices.
The turmoil follows a December 17, 2024, decision by the state House of Assembly to suspend the chairmen and vice chairmen of the 18 local government areas for two months. This action was taken after the governor raised concerns about their failure to submit financial records. During the suspension, leaders of the legislative arms were assigned to oversee the councils.
In response, the chairmen filed a legal challenge, and on December 20, 2024, Justice Efe Ikponmwhonba ruled to halt their suspension and reinstated them.
Prince Lateef Fagbemi, the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, condemned the situation, emphasizing that it violated a Supreme Court ruling from July 11, 2024, which granted local governments full autonomy.
Although some chairmen were able to return to their offices following the court’s intervention, others encountered resistance from thugs when they tried to resume work on December 23, 2024. During a visit to the Auchi council secretariat on Monday, a group of thugs obstructed the main entrance, preventing the council chairman and his deputy from entering.
Workers arriving for duty found the secretariat barricaded and were forced to wait outside under trees. A police van was present at the entrance, but officers seemed indifferent to the unfolding situation.
One council worker, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed disappointment, saying, “We came to work this morning only to find the gate locked by suspected thugs. It’s a sad situation, and I hope it gets resolved soon. The police are here but appear uninterested in what’s happening. It’s disheartening.”
