By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
The High Court in Auchi has issued a significant ruling that invalidates the impeachment of Hon. Zibiri Muhizu Marvelous and Hon. Benji Ojietu from their positions as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Etsako West Local Government Council, respectively.
In a carefully considered decision, Justice O. M. Obayuwana declared the impeachment proceedings to be null and void, highlighting the failure to comply with Section 19 of the Edo State Local Government Law 2000 (as amended in 2002).
The court found that the respondents did not provide sufficient evidence of meeting the necessary statutory requirements, which included: the formation of a 7-member panel to investigate the claimants, a review of findings by the Edo State House of Assembly, and the proper service of impeachment notice to the claimants.
As a result, the court ruled the impeachment of Hon. Zibiri Muhizu Marvelous and Hon. Benji Ojietu as Chairman and Vice Chairman of Etsako West Local Government illegal, null, and void.
Additionally, the court mandated the following: the Inspector General of Police is to ensure the claimants’ protection as they return to their office, a perpetual injunction against the respondents from interfering with the claimants’ responsibilities, and the payment of N1 million each by the respondents to the claimants as compensation.
This ruling emphasizes the critical need for adherence to due process and the rule of law in governance.
Recall that the Edo State governor Senator Monday Okpebholo after his declared victory, through the house of assembly, called for the suspension of the 18 local government chairmen over alleged insubordination.
The suspension however received a lot of criticisms from the citizens of the state and the Attorney General and minister of justice, Chief Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi (SAN) and across the country.
Later, the burden shifted to the local government where it was learnt that the state government influenced and directed the legislative arm to impeach the chairmen.
Responding to the judgement, the council chairman, Hon. Zibiri Marvelous described it as victory for democracy.
He commended the judiciary for being the hope of the common man.
Hon. Zibiri maintained that the judgement has rekindled the hope of the ordinary Nigerians and that they can still find justice adding that they should always approach the court to seek redress whenever they are being oppressed.
According to him “This ruling, which revalidates my position as the substantive Executive Chairman of Etsako West Local Government Council, is not merely a personal vindication—it is a profound victory for democracy, due process, and the unshakable will of the people.
“Let it be known that this triumph did not come without trials. It came through turbulent seasons, moments of uncertainty, and deliberate attempts to rewrite the story of our collective decision. But justice has spoken.
“Truth has prevailed. And the voice of the people has been heard once more.
“The judgment stands as a powerful testament to the courage and independence of the Nigerian judiciary.
“I salute the honourable judge for his strength of character, fidelity to truth, and refusal to bow to the weight of political pressure and anti-democratic forces.
“To the people of Etsako West—this victory is yours. You stood firm. You kept faith. You remained unwavering in the face of provocations and manipulations. Your solidarity, prayers, and belief gave strength to my spirit and resolve.
“To my legal team, my family, political allies, friends, and countless loyal supporters across the 12 wards of Etsako West—I owe you a debt of love and honour that words can scarcely express. Thank you for walking this difficult path with me.
“Now is not the time for celebration alone—it is a time for recommitment. I shall return to the service of our great local government area with renewed vigour, deeper humility, and an even stronger resolve to justify the confidence reposed in me.
“God bless Etsako West. God bless Edo State. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria”
He further appealed to the state governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo to obey the decision of the court.
