A High Court in Igarra, Edo State, has ordered the immediate reinstatement of the suspended Chairman of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Taju Alade.
Justice B. A. Okoh, who delivered the ruling on Wednesday, declared that Alade’s impeachment was illegal. He also directed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to provide security for Alade to safely return to his office.
In January 2025, Alade and his vice were removed from office by the Edo State Government. They were accused of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and failing to keep to their oath of office. Similar allegations were made against the Chairman of Esan North-East, Dr. Kelly Ehidiamen Inedegbor, and his Vice Chairman, Thomas Otiobhili, who were also impeached around the same time.
However, in his ruling, Justice Okoh stated that the court had full authority to handle the case, rejecting the state government’s claim that the court lacked the power to hear the matter.
