BENIN CITY: An Edo State High Court sitting in Igarra, headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, has ordered the immediate reinstatement of Hon. Taju Alade as chairman of the local government council, declaring his impeachment unconstitutional, unlawful, and null and void.
The ruling, delivered on Wednesday by Justice B.A. Okoh came after months of legal contestation following Alade’s controversial removal from office by members of the Akoko-Edo Legislative Council.
The council had alleged gross misconduct and abuse of office, claims which Alade consistently denied, describing the process as politically motivated and lacking due process.
Justice Okoh, in his judgment, stated that the legislative council failed to adhere to the procedures stipulated in the Nigerian Constitution and the Edo State Local Government Law regarding the removal of a democratically elected chairman.
The judge emphasized that the rule of law must be followed and that the removal process was conducted without giving Alade a fair hearing, rendering it a violation of his fundamental rights.
In addition to voiding the impeachment, the court issued a consequential order mandating the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to provide adequate security for Alade to safely and effectively resume his duties at the council secretariat.
Significantly, the court also dismissed the preliminary objection filed by the Edo State Government, which had challenged the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case. Justice Okoh ruled that the High Court has both the jurisdiction and constitutional responsibility to adjudicate on matters involving the fundamental rights of elected officials.
“The impeachment of the claimant, Hon. Taju Alade, is hereby set aside, Justice Okoh declared. The court has jurisdiction to hear and determine this matter.
The removal was carried out in violation of lawful procedure, and the claimant is hereby reinstated to his position as chairman of Akoko-Edo Local Government.
The judgment marks a major legal victory for Hon. Alade and may have broader implications for similar cases across the state where elected local government officials have been suspended or removed without proper legal procedures.
Reacting to the ruling, supporters of the reinstated chairman celebrated outside the courtroom, calling it a triumph of democracy and justice.
Alade, who briefly addressed journalists, expressed gratitude to the judiciary for standing firm in defense of the rule of law and reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people of Akoko-Edo.
Efforts to reach officials of the Edo State Government and the local legislative council for comments were unsuccessful as of press time.
Further legal and political responses are expected in the coming days.
