The solicitors representing the recently impeached 18 local government chairmen in Edo State have issued a stern warning to commercial banks, cautioning against tampering with the official accounts of the affected councils.
In a notice sent to banks across the country, Oluwole Osazee Uzzi, the immediate past Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Edo State, emphasized the legal repercussions of dealing with unauthorized individuals regarding council accounts. The notice, issued through his law firm, Uzzi Law Company, was sent on behalf of the impeached council chairmen.
The warning follows the purported suspension of the democratically elected chairmen and their deputies by the Edo State House of Assembly in 2024. Uzzi described the suspension as contentious, pointing out existing court orders safeguarding the chairmen’s positions.
According to Uzzi, any bank engaging with unauthorized persons or groups in the operation of local government accounts risks severe legal consequences. These include charges of contempt of court and violations of subsisting orders from the Supreme Court and the Edo State High Court.
“Commercial banks must refrain from opening new accounts or operating existing ones without proper authorization from the legitimately elected council chairmen,” Uzzi stated. “Such authorization must be formally issued and backed by all 18 local government chairmen.”
He further warned that banks ignoring the directive could face legal actions that would damage their reputation and compromise their relationships with the local councils.
“In light of these developments, it is crucial for banks to exercise extreme caution. They must verify the legitimacy of transactions and ensure they are authorized by the rightful leadership,” Uzzi added.
The warning underscores the ongoing political and legal tensions surrounding the impeachment of the council chairmen and the implications for governance at the local level.
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