More than one month after the Edo State House of Assembly suspended the 18 local government chairmen and deputies, there are indications that the crisis is taking its toll on the finances of traditional rulers in the state.
DAILY POST reports that traditional institutions in the state are constitutionally entitled to five percent of the local government monthly allocation.
It was gathered that the political crisis occasioned by the removal of the local government chairmen by the Edo State Government has taken a toll on the finances of the traditional institutions as many monarchs could no longer meet their financial obligations for the smooth running of palaces.
It was also gathered that the political face-off between the now impeached local government chairmen and deputies by the various legislative houses is hindering the functions and smooth running of traditional councils’ administration in the state.
DAILY POST recalls that the State House of Assembly had on December 17, 2024, suspended the local government chairmen and deputies for two months over alleged insubordination to Governor Monday Okpebholo.
A source familiar with the development who spoke on condition of anonymity opined that the political crisis in local government administration is responsible for the financial strains in the traditional councils.
According to him, “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,” he added.
When contacted, Paul Ohonbamu, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, described the allegations as untrue and unfounded.
Ohonbamu alleged that the allegations were being made by politicians who never see anything good in the Monday Okpebholo-led administration.
“They are not telling the truth. Nothing of such ever happened. Why will the state government hold on to the local government’s money? For what now?
“In spite of the crisis between the state government and the suspended local government chairmen, the governor has to ensure that the state and local government workers get their monthly salary.
“These allegations are just political. The 5 % allocation to traditional rulers have also been to the royal fathers by the various council acting chairmen.
“The state government is not owing any workers salaries both the state and local governments,” he said.
