The end came for acting chairmen of some local governments in Edo State yesterday, after Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) issued Certificate of Return to 63 newly-elected councillors.

Some of the acting chairmen resigned, while others remained defiant, but they were impeached.

News of likely impeachment of the acting chairmen caused panic among workers in many councils.

Many of them stayed away from work over fears of clashes.

The acting chairmen were elected in 2023 on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.

They were made acting chairmen after they defected to All Progressives Congress, following impeachment of the elected chairmen over their refusal to defect.

But the impeachment of the elected chairmen was upturned by the court. However, they did not resume duties.

The acting chairmen were replaced by councillors, who were elected in last Saturday’s councillorship by-election.

It was gathered that the newly-elected councillors received their Certificate of Return at about 7am yesterday and from there proceeded to the councils’ secretariats, armed with impeachment notices for the acting chairmen.

The move is to ensure the councils are headed by those perceived as genuine APC members and not defectors from PDP.

EDSIEC Chairman Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, represented by 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 this process, we are also reminded of the important roles they are stepping into to serve, to lead and to bring meaningful development to their wards.”

To avoid possible impeachment, the Acting Chairman of Esan West, 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 had 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 Etsako East, the councillors reportedly signed impeachment notice for the removal of Solomon Ogumah in Benin City on Sunday.

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

Nine councillors impeached the Acting Chairman of Uhunmwode, Osas Benjamin.

According to the impeachment notice, “we, the undersigned members of Uhunmwode Local Government Legislative Arm hereby impeach you as the acting local government council chairman with effect from today, 22nd Day of September, 2025.

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

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

He said: “I was told I should resign and that if I don’t resign, they will use the councillors 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 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 can cause crisis in the council. I am calling on the peace loving governor of the state to stop this move.”

In Ikpoba-Okha, Obosa Ogbeide resigned and Sino Osawaru representing Ward 10 was elected as chairman.

Blessing Egodaghe emerged as the new chairman of Esan West after Godsent Aigboboh resigned.

Supporters of APC were at the secretariat of Egor Council to witness the swearing-in of Osaro Eribo as the new chairman, after Kelvin Eguakun resigned.

A top leader of Edo APC, who pleaded anonymity, said the resignation of the acting chairmen was to reward party loyalty and not defectors.

The chieftain said the move was to allow the acting chairmen prepare for council election scheduled to hold next year.

Another chieftain of APC in Egor, Chief Emmanuel Iyase, said the resignation of the acting chairmen would not plunge the party into crisis.

He denied allegations that the acting chairmen were forced to resign.

He said the removed acting chairmen remained councillors representing their wards.

The new Egor Council boss promised to work hard to deliver good governance to the people.

Acting Chairman of Ovia South West, Charles Edobor, where Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa hails from, was not impeached, neither did he resign. (The Nation)