The political crisis in Edo State escalated on Monday when suspected political thugs seized control of the Oredo Local Government Secretariat, preventing the Council Chairman, Dr. Tom Obaseki, from entering his office.
Armed with weapons and chanting war songs, the group blocked Dr. Obaseki’s entry to the secretariat, forcing him to leave the premises.
This confrontation follows a recent ruling by an Edo State High Court that overturned the suspension of all 18 local government council chairmen. The suspensions had been imposed by the Edo State House of Assembly after allegations of insubordination and gross misconduct against the officials by Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Speaking to journalists outside the locked secretariat, Dr. Obaseki expressed his alarm over the incident, calling it a serious development. He urged security agencies to intervene and enforce the court’s restraining order.
“We urge the security agencies to take immediate action,” Dr. Obaseki said. “The restraining order is clear and must be upheld.”
In contrast, Newton Ugiagbe, the Council Chairman of Orhionmwon Local Government, was able to access his office and perform his duties without any interference.
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