The standoff between elected local government officials and the Edo State government intensified on Monday when suspected political thugs took over the Oredo Local Government Secretariat.
The group, armed with weapons and chanting war songs, barred the Council Chairman, Dr. Tom Obaseki, from entering his office.
Dr Obaseki, who had arrived at the secretariat to resume work, was forced to leave the premises.
This incident comes shortly after an Edo State High Court overturned the suspension of all 18 Local Government Council chairmen, a move initiated by the Edo State House of Assembly following allegations of insubordination and gross misconduct levelled by Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Addressing journalists outside the locked premises, Dr Obaseki expressed concern over the development, describing it as alarming.
He called on security agencies to intervene and uphold the court’s restraining order.
“We urge the security agencies to take action immediately,” Dr. Obaseki said. “The restraining order is clear and must be enforced.”
Meanwhile, Newton Ugiagbe, the Council Chairman of Orhionmwon Local Government, successfully accessed his office and carried out his duties without interference.