A Federal High Court in Abuja has directed Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, the Edo State House of Assembly, and other parties involved in a legal dispute with 18 suspended local government chairpersons to maintain the status quo.
The directive came on Monday after Justice Emeka Nwite reviewed a motion ex-parte filed by the chairpersons and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The plaintiffs, represented by counsel Anderson Asemota, are challenging their suspension by the Edo Assembly, which was reportedly endorsed by the governor.
Asemota argued that the Supreme Court had ruled in July 2024 that state governors lacked the authority to suspend elected local government officials.
He further alleged that the suspension stemmed from the chairpersons’ opposition to operating a joint account with the state government, a move they believe contradicts constitutional provisions.
The plaintiffs sought the court’s intervention to enforce their constitutional rights and prevent any further action against them. Justice Nwite, while granting the order to maintain the status quo, emphasized the need for caution and fairness in handling the matter.
The case has been adjourned to January 20, 2025, for a substantive hearing.
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