By Patrick Ahanor
Benin City
A Benin City High Court yesterday voided the suspension of the chairman of Oredo local government area in Edo state, Mr. Osaro Obaze, declaring that “in the eye of the law, the plaintiff remain the democratically elected chairman of the council.”
The court also cleared the council boss of alleged financial recklessness leveled against him, as reason for his suspension.
The presiding judge, Justice Esohe Ikpomwen, made the declaration while delivering judgement in a case brought before it by the local government chair challenging his suspension and subsequent removal from office.
She observed that relevant sections of the constitution were not followed before Obaze was suspended from office.
The council boss was suspended by Governor Adams Oshiomhole in 2015; and was afterwards removed by the House of Assembly while he was challenging his suspension in court.
Reacting to the verdict, Obaze expressed hope that the judgement would further strengthen democracy in the country.
