The Edo state government has dissolved the 18 local government councils in the state, and their accounts frozen indefinitely.

The secretary to the state government, Mr. Pally Iriase said: "i am directed to inform the general public that in accordance with the provisions of the local government law 2000 as amended, the governor, Mr. Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole has dissolved the 18 local government councils in edo state.

The statement also directed the local government chairmen to handover to the heads of local government administration in their respective local government areas immediately.

The statement added that the bank accounts of the local government councils are hereby frozen until further notice.
The Edo State House of Assembly, had at plenary on Monday, passed a unanimous resolution for the dissolution of the 18 local government councils.

Motion for the resolution was moved by the Majority Leader, Hon. Philip Shaibu who cited section 10 (1) of the Edo State Local Government law to buttress the motion which was seconded by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu.
Sequel to the resolution, Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole had sent a letter to the House of Assembly dated October 20, 2010 and addressed to the Speaker which was read on the floor of the House during plenary by the Deputy Clerk , Mr. James Omoataman.

Part of the letter titled "Request For A Resolution Dissolving The Leadership of the Local Government Council," personally signed by the state governor, read: "I m pleased to convey my compliments to Mr. Speaker and wish to respectfully request a resolution of the Honourable House for the dissolution of the leadership of the 18 local government councils. This is in line with section 10 (1) of the Edo State Local Government (Amendment) Law 2000.

Rounding off debate on the letter, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Bright Omokhodion directed that all movable and immovable assets of the 18 local government councils be handed over to the respective Heads of Service of the councils.

He also directed that clean copies of the resolution be sent to the state governor, state attorney-general and commissioner for justice, commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs as well as the local government service commission.

Shortly before plenary, the Speaker addressed members of the Santana Market Traders Association who staged a peaceful protest to the state House of Assembly over their relocation from their current location on Sapele road to another market on Dumez Road, Benin City.

Rt. Hon. Omokhodion, who told them that the state governor was sensitive to the plight of the people, explained that their request would be channelled to the state governor.

He commended them on the peaceful protest and assured them that they would be relocated to a place where there would be enough space to accommodate them, adding that the governor did not want them to suffer.