Crisis is brewing across the 18 local government areas of Edo State following impeachment and alleged forceful resignation Acting Chairmen.

The impeachment and resignation of the acting chairmen came few hours after 63 elected Councillors were presented with Certificate of Return by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC)

Those who got Certificate of Return at about 7am on Monday were elected in a by-election that took place last Saturday.

Chairman of EDSIEC, Hon Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, who was represented by Hon (Dr) Ikhuoriah Solomon, urged the new Councillors to give proper representation to the people.

He said, “The successful conduct of the 2025 by-election is not only a testament to the Commission’s efficiency but also a reaffirmation of the people’s trust in the democratic process. Today, as we celebrate the victors of that process, we are also reminded of the important roles they are stepping into to serve, to lead, and to bring meaningful development to their various wards.”

It was gathered that Councillors from the various local government areas signed the various impeachment notices before heading to their various secretariats.

To avoid possible impeachment, Acting Chairman of Esan West, Hon Godsent Agboibo, tendered his resignation letter.

In the letter dated September 22 and addressed to the House Leader, Esan West Legislative Chamber, Agboibo said events of the last few days have made it imperative for him to tender the resignation.

“As a loyal party man and committed supporter of our Governor His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, and a man of integrity and peace I hereby tender my resignation as Chairman with effect from 22nd September, 2025.

“Thanks for your past support during my tenure. I look forward to supporting whoever comes on board.”

In Estako East, the councillors reportedly signed impeachment notice for the removal of Hon Solomon Ogumah in Benin City on Sunday.

Thugs were said to have taken over the local government secretariat in Okpella.

A total of nine councillors impeached the Acting Chairman of Uhunmwode, Hon Osas Iradia Benjamin.

According to the impeachment notice,

“We, the undersigned members of Uhunmwode Local Government Area Legislative Arm hereby impeach you as the acting Local Government Council Chairman with effect from today the 22nd Day of September, 2025.

“This decision is as a result of your abuse of office, high headedness, embezzlements of Council funds, Anti-party activities, financial recklessness, forgery and constant disobedient to constituted authorities”

Acting Chairman of Estako East, Solomon Oghuma, urged Governor Monday Okpebholo to stop the move saying it would cause chaos in the party.

He said, “I was told that I should resign and that if I don’t resign, they will use the councilors to remove me.

“I have enquired from the House of Assembly and they said they did not give any such directive and I know it is the house of assembly and the governor that have such powers.”

A former Edo North Senatorial Youth leader of the APC, Dirisu Otinomo, warned that the development could lead to crisis in the APC.

“The people of Etsako East are not happy because somebody who is not from Etsako East is not the one that will foist a chairman of the local government and if care is not taken, it could cause crisis in the council. I am calling on the peace loving governor of the state to stop this move.” (The Nation)