In a significant political development, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has presented brand new SUVs to 17 acting local government chairmen who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This gesture comes three months after their transition to the ruling party.
The acting chairmen, previously legislative leaders in their respective councils, assumed their roles following the suspension and subsequent impeachment of the elected chairmen and their deputies. The Edo State House of Assembly had suspended all 18 local government chairmen and their deputies on December 17, 2024, citing insubordination and gross misconduct due to their refusal to submit financial records for scrutiny, as detailed in a petition by Governor Okpebholo dated November 16, 2024 .
Before the suspension period concluded, the legislative arms of the various councils impeached the chairmen and deputies, appointing the legislative leaders as acting chairmen. These acting chairmen officially joined the APC on March 17, 2025 .
Governor Okpebholo stated that the provision of new SUVs is aimed at enhancing effective service delivery at the grassroots level. He remarked:
“I want to thank God for making today possible as chairmen now have the privilege to drive brand new vehicles in the state. New things are beginning to happen in Edo State under the watch of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Edo will experience more development even as we compete with Lagos, Abuja, and other states of the federation. The vehicles commissioned today are not for the private use of the local government chairmen but for the development of the people at the grassroots. I will monitor you to ensure the right thing is done.
I know how much you are receiving in the councils, and we will measure your success rate if it is commensurate with what you are receiving. My administration has not interfered with your funds and resources.”
Commissioner for Local Government, Community, and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lucky Eseigbe, noted that this is the first time in the state’s history that brand new SUVs have been purchased for local government chairmen. He emphasized that the vehicles are intended to facilitate the chairmen’s responsibilities.
Notably, Tom Obaseki, the elected chairman of Oredo Local Government Area, and his deputy were not impeached by the legislative arm. However, the council’s affairs are currently managed by the Head of Local Government Administration, Dr. Igbinigie Osaheni.
