By Kolawole Ojebisi
The suspended 18 local government chairmen and vice-chairmen in Edo State can now heave a sigh of relief and remain in their positions, at least, till February 17, 2025.
This is as the State High Court in Benin has ordered their immediate reinstatement and put in abeyance the resolution reached by the House of Assembly on Wednesday.
The presiding judge, Justice Efe Ikponmwonba, granted the order following a suit instituted by the affected chairmen and vice chairmen.
The court however restrained Governor Monday Okpebholo and Edo State Government, Attorney General of the State and Commissioner for Justice, Accountant General of the State, among others from acting on the resolution of the state House of Assembly suspending the claimants.
Justice Ikponmwonba also ordered that the status quo, as at December 12 be maintained pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed on December 12, 2024.
“The Court orders a mandatory injunction compelling the defendant by themselves, their privies, servants, agents, howsoever named or described, to restore the chairmen and vice chairmen of the of their respective Local government councils,” the judge said.
The judge adjourned to February 17, for hearing and ordered that a hearing notice be issued and served on the defendants.
