A major political crisis has erupted across Edo State’s 18 local government areas as several acting council chairmen were either impeached or forced to resign from office on Monday, September 22, 2025. The upheaval followed the presentation of Certificates of Return to 63 newly elected councillors by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), barely two days after a by-election that produced the councillors.
Reports indicate that the newly inaugurated councillors moved swiftly to assert control over their respective councils, with many signing impeachment notices against acting chairmen even before resuming their duties. In Esan West Local Government Area, the acting chairman, Godsent Agboibo, resigned the same day to avoid an imminent removal, citing “recent developments” as his reason for stepping down. In Estako East, councillors signed an impeachment notice against acting chairman Solomon Ogumah, while tension escalated as thugs reportedly seized the local government secretariat in Okpella.
Similarly, in Uhunmwode Local Government Area, nine councillors voted to remove acting chairman Osas Iradia Benjamin, accusing him of abuse of office, financial mismanagement, and disobedience to constituted authorities.
The wave of removals and resignations has sparked warnings from party members about the potential for political instability within the state’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Observers say the swift actions of the councillors mark a significant shift in Edo’s local government politics and may trigger further power struggles in the coming days.
