October 22, (THEWILL) — The Edo State Government has directed all Heads of Local Government Administration (HoLGAs) across the 18 local councils to proceed on compulsory leave with immediate effect.
Chairman of the Edo State Local Government Service Commission, Alhaji Kabiru Adjoto, announced the directive on Wednesday in Benin City.
He said the decision followed a comprehensive review of local government operations in line with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s “Shine Agenda,” aimed at repositioning the local government system for greater accountability and efficiency.
“In line with the Shine Agenda of His Excellency, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, we moved around, made some observations, and after our tour of the 18 local governments, the commission met and took some decisions. One of the decisions is that all Heads of Local Government Administration are to proceed on compulsory leave, effective today (Oct. 22),” Adjoto said.
He directed the affected officers to hand over the running of their offices to the Directors of Administration and General Services (DAGS) in their respective councils pending further directives.
Adjoto added that the HoLGA and Director of Finance and Administration (DFA) of Akoko-Edo Local Government were also asked to proceed on compulsory leave following a petition against them.
“All concerned officers are to hand over properly and comply with this directive without delay,” he stated.
According to him, the decision is part of a broader effort to strengthen administrative structures at the grassroots and allow for a fair assessment of local government operations.
“This measure has become necessary to ensure a fair and objective review of postings, staff deployment, and to encourage transparency and restore confidence in the local government system,” Adjoto explained.
He further noted that the commission had begun digitising its operations and would intensify the training and retraining of local government staff to enhance service delivery.
Adjoto, a former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, stressed that the compulsory leave was not punitive but a strategic step to reform the system and promote effective governance at the local level.
“We are taking these steps to build a local government system that works for the people and reflects accountability, transparency, and efficiency,” he said.
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