By Kolawole Ojebisi
One of the ousted Chairmen in Edo State, Paul Iyoha, has accused Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, of orchestrating his removal from office.
Iyoha, before his removal on Friday who was the Chairman of Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State, stated why the governor made the move. He spoke on Friday while addressing journalists in Benin city, the Edo state capital.
The embattled former Cpuncil boss said he would challenge his removal in the Court of law.
While describing the impeachment as illegal, Iyoha said he was not given a fair hearing before being suspended by the Edo State House of Assembly.
Iyoha attributed his offence to his political allegiance to Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate in the 2024 elections.”
According to him, his impeachment was driven by political vendetta rather than legitimate governance concerns.
“My only offence was standing by my party candidate instead of supporting Governor Okpebholo, who hails from the same ward in Esan Central as myself.
“As a loyal member, I was duty-bound to support my party’s candidate. 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.”
The impeachment of Iyoha brings to four the total number of local government chairmen and their deputies who have been removed under Okpebholo’s watch.
The New Diplomat had reported how local government chairmen and their deputies were impeached in Egor, Uhunmwonde, Owan East and Orhionmwon local governments areas after their suspension by the state house of assembly
Iyoha however claimed that these actions were part of a broader effort to suppress opposition voices in Edo State.
