4th February, 2025
By Jethro Ibileke
A restraining order on accounts of the 18 Local Government Councils in Edo, have reportedly in cash crunch for traditional councils in the State.
It was gathered that the development is already hindering the functions and administration of the traditional councils.
P.M. NEWS reports that traditional institutions are constitutionally entitled to 5 percent of its local government monthly allocation.
The crisis stemmed from the State House of Assembly resolution suspending the Local Governments chairmen and their deputies.
It would also be recalled that the Council’s legislative arms purportedly impeached the local government chairmen and their deputies over alleged gross misconduct.
The Council chairmen, their deputies and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), approached the court to challenge the decisions.
They also sought an order to stop the change of signatories to the Council’s bank accounts.
The political logjam has allegedly taken a toll on the traditional institutions finances, as many could no longer meet their financial obligations to aides and the smooth running of palaces.
A source familiar with the development who craved anonymity said:
“The political crisis in the local government is responsible for the financial strains in the traditional Councils. Many of us have not been paid our December and January salaries.
“The traditional rulers are also affected. We have family responsibilities. It’s our hope that governor Okpebholo will find a way to navigate the traditional institutions through this Crisis,” the source added.
