An Edo State High Court presided over by Hon Justice D.I. Okungbowa has nullified the removal of the chairman of Esan West Local Government, Hon Patrick Aguinede of the All Progressives Congress (APC) by Edo Governor, Godwin Obaseki.
In a suit, No B/11/2020, the court declared the purported removal of Aguinede as null and void and directed him to resume office as chairman immediately.
Justice Okungbowa granted all the prayers contained in the originating summons filed on behalf of Aguinede by the Law firm of West-Idahosa & Co.
He stated that Obaseki and government failed to comply with the provisions of Sections 20 and 21 of Edo State Local Government Law, 2000 (as amended) in failing to consult with the Edo State House of Assembly and the grounds of suspension as provided by Law before suspending Hon. Patrick Aguinede was not followed.
The court further held since the purported suspension was void in law, every other action predicated on it was invalid.
The Court awarded the sum of N200, 000 as costs in favour of Hon. Patrick Aguinede.
(THE NATION)
