Three months after 17 acting local government chairmen in Edo State joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor Monday Okpebholo has given them brand-new SUVs.

Earlier this year, these 17 lawmakers, who are now acting chairmen, removed the elected council chairmen and their deputies. Reports say they were backed by the APC when they carried out the impeachment.

Back on December 17, 2024, the Edo State House of Assembly suspended all 18 elected local government chairmen and their deputies. They were accused of disobeying orders and behaving badly in office.

This suspension came after Governor Okpebholo sent a petition to the Assembly on November 16, 2024. He said the chairmen refused to share financial documents that were needed for review.

Before the suspension period was over, the lawmakers in each council went ahead to impeach the elected chairmen and deputies. After removing them, they made themselves acting chairmen.

These acting chairmen later joined the APC on March 17, 2025.

Now, three months after joining the ruling party, Governor Okpebholo has rewarded them with brand-new SUVs.

Speaking at the event, the governor said the vehicles were meant to help the chairmen work better and serve the people in their local areas.

He said the SUVs are not for private use but for government work. He also said he will watch their performance to make sure they are doing a good job. According to him, his administration has not taken any money meant for the councils.

Lucky Eseigbe, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, said this is the first time in Edo State’s history that acting local government chairmen are receiving new SUVs.

He added that the vehicles will make it easier for them to carry out their duties.

However, one council is different. The elected chairman of Oredo Local Government Area, Tom Obaseki, and his deputy were not removed. Still, their council is now being run by the Head of Local Government Administration, Dr. Igbinigie Osaheni.