Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has presented brand new SUVs to 17 acting local government chairmen who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) three months ago.

The vehicles were handed over to the acting chairmen who assumed office following the controversial impeachment of democratically elected council chairmen and their deputies earlier this year.

The political saga began on December 17, 2024, when the Edo State House of Assembly suspended all 18 elected local government chairmen and their deputies for two months. The suspension followed a petition from Governor Okpebholo alleging insubordination and gross misconduct, specifically citing their refusal to submit financial records for scrutiny.

Before the two-month suspension period elapsed, legislative arms of the various councils impeached the chairmen and deputies, replacing them with legislative leaders as acting chairmen. These acting chairmen subsequently defected to the APC on March 17, 2025.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Governor Okpebholo stated that the vehicles were provided to aid effective service delivery at the grassroots level.

"I want to thank God for making today possible as chairmen now have the privilege to drive brand new vehicles in the state. New things are beginning to happen in Edo State under the watch of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu," the governor said.

He emphasized that the vehicles were not for personal use but for grassroots development, adding, "Edo will experience more development even as we compete with Lagos, Abuja, and other states of the federation. I will monitor you to ensure the right thing is done."

The governor also noted that his administration has not interfered with council funds and resources, stating, "I know how much you are receiving in the councils, and we will measure your success rate if it is commensurate with what you are receiving."

Commissioner for Local Government, Community and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lucky Eseigbe, claimed this was the first time in the state's history that brand new SUVs had been purchased for local government chairmen.

It is worth noting that Tom Obaseki, the elected chairman of Oredo Local Government Area, and his deputy were the only officials not impeached by their legislative arm. However, the council is currently being administered by the Head of Local Government Administration, Dr. Igbinigie Osaheni.

The timing of the vehicle gifts, coming just three months after the mass defection to the ruling party, has raised questions about political patronage in the state's local government administration.