The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has condemned the suspension of local government chairmen and their deputies in Edo State by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

On December 17, the state House of Assembly, acting on the governor’s request, suspended the chairmen and vice chairmen of all 18 local governments over allegations of insubordination and failure to submit financial statements.

Fagbemi criticized the move, arguing it violates the law. He stated, “Since the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment on July 11, local government administration has shifted significantly from the old order. Under this new dispensation, local government chairmen cannot be removed or suspended by a governor without adhering to due legal processes.”

The AGF emphasized that only the legislative arm of local governments has the constitutional authority to suspend or remove council chairmen, not the State House of Assembly. He added that the Ministry of Justice is still reviewing the situation but stressed the importance of respecting due process and constitutional provisions in local government administration.

Fagbemi’s remarks highlight the growing need for compliance with legal frameworks in managing local governance.