BY SANDRA EDOBOR
BENIN CITY – The political atmosphere in Edo State has reportedly taken a troubling turn as a political commentator, Iyenoma Markdafe, is said to have gone into hiding after narrowly escaping what observers described as an assassination attempt allegedly linked to his comments on the controversial removal of democratically elected local government officials in the state.
Markdafe, who reportedly resides in the Aduwawa axis of Benin City, was said to have fled his home following the incident and has remained out of public view amid growing fears over his safety.
The alleged incident reportedly occurred on Saturday evening, barely days after Markdafe publicly criticised what he described as the state government’s involvement in the dissolution of elected officials across the 18 local government areas of Edo State.
In his comments, the political commentator was said to have questioned the legality of the development, particularly the removal of several council chairmen and their deputies across various local government areas.
Among those reportedly affected are the Chairman of Etsako Central Local Government Area, Hon. Jonathan Solomon Obomighie; the Chairman of Oredo Local Government Area, Dr. Tom Obaseki and the Chairman of Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Deacon Newman Ugiagbe, who also doubles as the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Edo State chapter.
The controversy surrounding the fate of elected local government officials in Edo State dates back to early this month, shortly after Governor Monday Okpebholo assumed office.
On December 17, 2024, the Edo State House of Assembly suspended the elected chairmen and vice-chairmen of the 18 local government councils following a communication from the governor, alleging insubordination and financial irregularities against the officials.
The development sparked widespread political and legal debate, particularly as acting council chairmen were subsequently sworn in on December 23, 2024.
While the Edo State Government maintained that the action amounted to a suspension based on alleged misconduct and administrative concerns, opposition voices, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), insisted it amounted to an unlawful removal of democratically elected officials, citing the Supreme Court judgment affirming local government autonomy and warning against executive interference in local council administration.
Markdafe reportedly argued that the removal of elected local government officials raised concerns about democratic governance and constitutional order, with his comments quickly gaining traction across online platforms and within political circles.
While some political stakeholders and supporters reportedly hailed his intervention as courageous and necessary in defence of democracy, critics allegedly viewed his remarks as provocative and confrontational toward the state government.
The Nigerian OBSERVER gathered that shortly after his comments went public, unknown men suspected to be political thugs allegedly began trailing him, believing that his public position could incite opposition against the state government.
The situation was said to have escalated at about 8:30 p.m. on Saturday around the Ramat Park area of Benin City when the unidentified men allegedly attempted to intercept his vehicle and reportedly shot at his car in what witnesses described as a coordinated pursuit, forcing him to flee for safety.
Speaking through a relative, Markdafe reportedly said he no longer feels safe, alleging that unidentified persons are still monitoring his movements and expressing fears over a possible, kidnapping, arrest or prosecution stemming from his public comments.
According to the source, concerns have also been raised that, owing to the political sensitivity of the matter, he could face serious allegations, including charges bordering on treason, a development said to have prompted considerations about leaving the country for his personal safety.
As of press time, family sources said Markdafe’s whereabouts remained unknown, insisting that “his life is in danger.”
Neither security agencies nor the Edo State Government had issued any official statement regarding the allegation as of the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, civil society organisations have reportedly condemned the alleged intimidation and called for an independent investigation into the matter, warning against any attempt to suppress dissenting voices within the state’s political space.
Recall that the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Edo State chapter, Deacon Newman Ugiagbe, who also serves as Chairman of Orhionmwon Local Government Area, had openly resisted moves to suspend the elected local government officials in the state.
Ugiagbe was later reported to have fled the country amid the lingering political tension and legal dispute surrounding the local government crisis.
