The embattled Chairman of Oredo Local Government Council of Edo State, Dr. Tom Obaseki, has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Acting Head of Administration/Director of Finance and Accounts of the Council over non payment of two months salaries.
The ultimatum is an open confrontation to the State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, who had devised various means to get him out of office.
In his query (letter of ultimatum) dated February 12, 2025, Obaseki requested the Head of Local Administration to urgently explain the non-payment of salaries to the Chairman, vice Chairman, Councillors, the Secretary to the Council, Supervisors, Special Advisers, and Special Assistants to the Council and other political appointees.
He also requested the HOLGA to provide any documented evidence to justify the reason for the delay in the payment of the salaries.
The letter reads in part: “I have just been informed that the elected Councillors of Oredo Local Government Council were not paid their salaries for January 2025.
“Additionally, the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary to the Council, Supervisors, Special Advisers, and Special Assistants to the Council have not received their salaries for December 2024 and January 2025.
“This situation is highly concerning as it affects the financial well-being and effectiveness of the affected officials.
“The delay in salary payment raises serious questions regarding administrative and financial management within the Council.
“In light of this, I kindly request you to provide a formal written explanation for the non-payment of these salaries within 24 hours.
“Furthermore, I request that you provide any documented evidence justifying the reasons for this delay.
“Your immediate attention to this matter is highly anticipated, and I look forward to your prompt response and resolution,” he said.
247nextnews.com recalls that the 18 Local Government Councils in the State have been in tumoil since December 17, 2024, when the State House of Assembly slammed two-months suspension on the Chairmen and their deputies following a letter from Governor Okpebholo accusing the them of insubordination after they failed to submit financial reports from September 23, 2022, to date as he directed.
When the suspension order failed to achieve the desired result, the elected Councillors of the respective LG Councils impeached the Chairmen one after the other, except those of Oredo who stuck with their Chairman.
Not deterred, Okpebholo, through the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr. Lucky Eseigbe, in a letter dated February 3, 2025, appointed Osaheni, who is the Head of Local Government Administration of the Council, as Acting Chairman.
But following public outcry and a threat of contempt of court judgement, Eseigbe withdrew the letter of appointment.
