Delta LG Chairman, Councillors Draw Battle Line Over Impeachment Crisis

A major political crisis has erupted in the Oshimili North Local Government Council of Delta State, pitting the executive and legislative arms against each other over impeachment, legislative authority and allegations of financial misconduct.

The dispute, involving the council chairman, Innocent Esewezie, and members of the legislative arm, has reportedly led to the impeachment of the House Leader and split the councillors into opposing factions.

The crisis has also disrupted legislative activities, with the roof of the legislative building allegedly removed on the directive of the council chairman to prevent lawmakers from holding sittings and possibly initiating impeachment proceedings against him.

The chairman was accused by some councillors of spending council funds without obtaining the necessary legislative approval.

Despite being denied access to their chamber, councillors loyal to the impeached leader were said to have continued legislative sessions under a tree within the council premises in a bid to sustain the activities of the House.

Sources said the crisis began after the removal of the former leadership of the legislative arm headed by Jeffrey Mordi, an action allegedly influenced by the council chairman.

According to the sources, several councillors were persuaded to support the executive through the provision of vehicles and other financial incentives.

However, Mordi reportedly rejected the offers and insisted he remained the legitimate leader of the legislative arm.

The situation reportedly worsened as thugs and security operatives were allegedly deployed to intimidate lawmakers loyal to Mordi’s faction.

Amid the tension, Mordi took custody of the legislative mace, the official symbol of the House, claiming it was necessary to protect it from damage or unauthorised use after the legislative chamber became exposed.

His decision to retain the mace reportedly deepened the rift, with sources alleging that the council chairman viewed the move as a direct challenge to his authority.

In a further twist, Mordi petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), alleging that the council’s 2025 budget was implemented without the approval of the legislative arm as required by law.

Efforts to obtain official reactions from both the council chairman and members of the legislative arm were unsuccessful, as they could not be reached for comments at the time of filing this report.

The political standoff has continued to generate concerns over governance and legislative independence within the local government.