Oshimili North Local Government Council, headquartered in Akwukwu-Igbo, Delta State, is witnessing a serious crisis following the removal of the roof of its legislative building.
The development may not be unconnected with the face-off between the legislative arm and the council chairman, Hon. Innocent Esewezie, which led to the impeachment of the leader of the House and sharply divided the councillors.
The roof of the legislative building was allegedly removed on the directive of the council chairman to prevent lawmakers from sitting and possibly carrying out a planned impeachment of the chairman, who was accused of spending funds without proper approval.
The crisis began after the impeachment of the former leadership of the House headed by Hon. Jeffrey Mordi, an action allegedly masterminded by the council chairman.
While several councillors were reportedly persuaded to align with the executive through the provision of vehicles and other financial inducements, Mordi was said to have refused to accept any form of inducement, insisting that he remained the legitimate leader.
Unable to gain access to their chambers, members of the legislative arm loyal to the Mordi faction reportedly continued their sittings under a tree within the council premises to sustain legislative activities.
Sources said it was during this period that Mordi took custody of the mace, the official symbol of the authority of the House, to safeguard it from possible damage, loss or unauthorised use after the legislative chambers became exposed and insecure following the removal of the roof.
Rather than resolving the impasse, the sources alleged that Mordi’s continued custody of the mace further strained relations with the council chairman, who viewed the development as a direct challenge to his authority.
Mordi subsequently petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), alleging that the 2025 budget of the local government was implemented without the approval of the legislative arm as required by law.
The crisis, the sources added, escalated when thugs and security operatives became involved in attempts to intimidate members of the legislature loyal to the Mordi faction.
