The impeached Chairman of Esan Central Local Government Area in Edo State, Hon. Paul Iyoha, has accused the state’s Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, of orchestrating his removal from office as part of a political vendetta.
In a press briefing held on Friday in Benin, Iyoha faulted the impeachment process, claiming that neither he nor any other local government chairmen in the state were given a fair hearing before the Edo State House of Assembly suspended them. According to Iyoha, council chairmen were neither properly investigated nor given an opportunity to defend themselves.
Iyoha expressed that he had carried out his duties effectively, including ensuring the timely payment of salaries and allowances to both councillors and staff, and insisted that the actions against him were politically motivated. He asserted that his “sin” was his allegiance to Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate for the 2024 elections. Iyoha described the impeachment as an unjustified act driven by political differences rather than any legitimate governance concerns.
“My only offense was standing by my party’s candidate, instead of supporting Governor Okpebholo, who comes from the same ward in Esan Central as I do,” Iyoha said. “As a loyal member of the PDP, it was my duty to support my party’s candidate. It is not a crime to work for one’s party, but the governor has taken my political stance personally and is using his office to punish me.”
Iyoha further alleged that Governor Okpebholo had publicly vowed that he would never be reinstated as chairman, citing a video in which he claimed the governor was seen stating that he would not return to his position due to his political opposition. “The governor told people that I would never return to my position because I opposed him politically. This is unfair and undemocratic,” he added.
In recounting his experience during the Edo governorship election, Iyoha revealed that he had faced multiple challenges, including intimidation, an attack on his home, the abduction of his brother, and threats to his safety. He claimed these incidents were part of a broader campaign to suppress opposition voices within the state.
Despite these challenges, Iyoha mentioned that he attended the governor’s inauguration and sent a congratulatory message as a sign of respect for the office. However, he criticized the current administration for politicizing governance by involving party figures in official state matters.
Iyoha expressed confidence that the judiciary would provide him with fair redress as he continues to pursue legal action against his impeachment.
