AGF Fagbemi Addresses Suspension of Edo Local Government Chairmen

Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, comments on the suspension of local government chairmen in Edo State, shedding light on the legal and administrative implications.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has expressed his disapproval regarding the suspension of local government chairmen in Edo State by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

On December 17, at the behest of the governor, the state House of Assembly suspended 18 local government chairmen along with their vice chairmen. The governor alleged that these officials exhibited insubordination and misconduct by failing to provide their financial statements.

In response to this action, Fagbemi asserted that the authority to remove or suspend council chairmen resides solely with the legislative arm of the local government.

He clarified that, according to the existing legal framework, a governor cannot dismiss or suspend local government chairmen without following the proper legal procedures.

“I acknowledge that since the Supreme Court’s significant ruling on July 11, local government administration has undergone a transformation, distinct from previous practices.

“Nonetheless, we are currently assessing the situation, but it is imperative to state unequivocally that, at this time, local government chairmen can only be removed through the legislative body of the local government itself, rather than the State House of Assembly,” Fagbemi stated.