The Chairman of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, Hon. Alabi Bliss Oshionogue, has been impeached by the legislative arm of the council following a deepening crisis that split councillors and paralysed governance at the grassroots.
Oshionogue’s removal was conveyed in a letter signed by seven councillors, hours after an intervention by the Edo State House of Assembly to broker peace between the chairman and the lawmakers reportedly collapsed.
Sources within the council told PLATFORM TIMES that the crisis escalated when three councillors, who were absent from the reconciliation meeting, allegedly attempted to remove the seven others from office.
The move backfired as the council declared the seats of the three councillors vacant, paving the way for the remaining lawmakers to reconvene and initiate impeachment proceedings.
The seven councillors were said to have rushed to Igarra, the headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government, where they issued the impeachment notice and announced Oshionogue’s removal with immediate effect.
In the letter, the councillors accused the chairman of “abuse of office, high-handedness, embezzlement of council funds, anti-party activities, financial recklessness, forgery and constant disobedience to constituted authorities.”
The notice read in part: “We, the undersigned members of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area Legislative Arm, hereby impeach you as the acting Local Government Council Chairman with effect from today, January 28, 2026.”
A viral video circulating on social media captured dramatic scenes at the council secretariat as Oshionogue was booed and jeered by supporters of the lawmakers while being escorted out of the premises.
As of press time, the Edo State Government and the impeached chairman were yet to issue official statements on the development.
However, political observers say the crisis reflects growing tensions over control of local government administration and party loyalty ahead of future political realignments in the state.
Meanwhile, governance activities at the council remain uncertain as residents await formal directives on the leadership transition and restoration of stability in Akoko-Edo.
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