From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
An Edo State High Court presided by Hon. Justice D. I. Okungbowa, yesterday, ordered the reinstatement of Hon. Aremiyau Momoh as chairman, Etsako East Local Government Area Council of Edo State.
In the judgment delivered today, 11th day December, 2020, the learned trial judge declared the purported removal of Hon. Momoh by Edo State Governor as null and void.
The Court directed Hon. Momoh to resume office as Chairman immediately.
Hon. Justice D.I Okungbowa granted all the prayers contained in the originating Summons filed on behalf of Hon. Momoh by the Lawfirm of West-Idahosa & Co.
The learned Judge held that Edo State Governor and the 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 as provided by Law before suspending Hon. Momoh.
The Court also held that since the purported suspension was void in law, every other action predicated on it was invalid.
The Court awarded the sum of #250,000 as costs in favour of Hon. Momoh.
The Court dismissed the notice of preliminary objection filed by Edo State Government challenging the competence of the suit.
Similarly, the Motion filled by Edo State Government to arrest the judgment of the Court was dismissed.