LG Chairman, Councillors draw battle line over impeachment in Delta

The legislative and executive arms of Oshimili North local government council, Delta State, are at each others throat.

The face-off, particularly between the Legislative arm and the Council Chairman, Innocent Esewezie, has resulted in the impeachment of the Leader and has divided the Councillors.

While the roof of the Legislative building was allegedly removed on the directive of the Council Chairman to prevent sitting and probably planned impeachment of the Chairman, who was accused of spending money without proper approval, members of the legislative arm loyal to the impeached leader were said to have continued their sittings under a tree within the Council premises in order to sustain legislative activities.

Crisis started following the impeachment of the former leadership of the House headed by Jeffrey Mordi, allegedly masterminded by the Council Chairman.

Whilst several Councillors were persuaded to align with the Executive through the provision of vehicles and other financial inducements, Mordi refused to accept any form of inducement and stood his ground, insisting that he remains the Leader.

Unable to gain access to their Chambers, the crisis escalated when thugs and security operatives became involved in attempts to intimidate members of the legislature loyal to Mordi’s faction.

It was during this period, the sources explained, that Jeffrey Mordi took custody of the Mace, the official symbol of authority of the House, allegedly to safeguard it from possible damage, loss or unauthorised use, since the legislative Chambers had become exposed and insecure.

Rather than resolving the impasse, sources alleged that Mordi’s continued custody of the mace further strained relations with the Council Chairman, who viewed the development as a direct challenge to his authority.

Mordi, on his part, petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), alleging that the 2025 budget of the local government was implemented without the approval of the legislative arm as required by law.

Efforts to reach the parties involved for comments have remained fruitless.