The Chairman of Owan East Local Government Area, Hon. Prince Aminu Okodo-Kadiri, has dismissed his impeachment and that of his deputy, Hon. Clement Ojebuovbo, as unconstitutional.
Speaking to journalists in Benin City, Okodo-Kadiri cited the Edo State Local Government Law of 2000 (amended in 2002), which outlines specific procedures for the removal of council executives. He argued that none of the required steps were followed during the impeachment process.
According to him, the legislative council failed to adhere to essential legal provisions, including the presentation of allegations signed by two-thirds of the councillors, the formation of an independent seven-member investigative panel, and adherence to mandated timelines. Additionally, he was denied the opportunity to defend himself before such a panel.
Okodo-Kadiri further stated that the mace used during the impeachment was not the official mace of the Owan East Local Government Council, a violation that undermines the legitimacy of the proceedings.
The chairman also refuted allegations of financial mismanagement, specifically claims that council chairmen misappropriated N50 million allocated for salary payments. He explained that monthly salary expenditures in most councils significantly exceed N50 million and that salaries had been paid promptly up to November.
“If funds were misappropriated, where is the proof? Our bank records are clear, and no salaries are owed,” he said.
He also highlighted irregularities in the impeachment process, revealing that two councillors involved—Hon. Haruna Mohammed and another member from Ward Seven—had been suspended for gross misconduct prior to the session. Their participation, he argued, rendered the impeachment invalid, especially as his office had not been notified of their reinstatement.
Describing the impeachment as baseless and unconstitutional, Okodo-Kadiri vowed to seek justice through the judiciary.
“The judiciary is the last hope of the common man, and I will rely on it to restore justice and uphold the rule of law in this matter,” he concluded.
