- Justice Minister Upholds Local Government Autonomy Against State Interference
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has denounced the suspension of chairmen and vice chairmen across Edo State’s 18 Local Government Areas as unconstitutional and illegal.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, the AGF emphasized that the removal or suspension of elected local government officials lies solely within the jurisdiction of councilors in the respective LGAs, as affirmed by the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on July 11, 2024, which granted full autonomy to the 774 local governments in Nigeria.
“Governors Have No Such Power”
“One thing I know and can say without fear is that under the present dispensation, the governor has no right to remove any local government chairman,” Fagbemi stated. “That much I know. If I did not know before, since July 11, 2024, I became aware of it.”
Fagbemi clarified that his initial hesitation to comment on the matter stemmed from a desire to understand the legal basis of the Edo State Government’s actions.
Background of the Suspension
The Edo State House of Assembly had suspended the chairmen and vice chairmen of all 18 LGAs for two months over allegations of gross misconduct and insubordination. The Assembly directed the council leaders to hand over their duties to legislative leaders of the respective local governments.
The move followed a letter from Governor Monday Okpebholo, who accused the council officials of failing to submit financial reports from September 23, 2022, to date, as directed.
LGA Officials Push Back
The affected officials have vehemently rejected the suspension, labeling it unlawful. They insist on serving out their tenure, which expires in 2026.
The AGF’s intervention reinforces the Supreme Court ruling and underscores the autonomy of local governments as a critical component of Nigeria’s federal structure. With this declaration, the ongoing tussle between state and local authorities is poised to take center stage in the country’s legal and political discourse.
