Kehinde Fajobi
Members of the dissolved Edo State Civil Service Commission have filed a lawsuit before the Benin Division of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), contesting their removal from office.
They argue that their removal is unconstitutional and are demanding reinstatement along with ₦250 million in damages.
The suit, marked NICN/BEN/06/2025, involves the affected members— Ighodala Aluyi, Ehi Obaseki, Adegboyega Gilbert, Juliana Olatunji, and Margaret Ohiowele— as claimants against the Edo state government, the governor, the deputy governor, the attorney general, the accountant general, and the speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly. The court has given the defendants 14 days to respond.
In their legal action, the claimants challenge the constitutionality of the dissolution of the Edo State Civil Service Commission, which they argue was improperly carried out through a publication on December 17, 2024.
The members contend that the defendants did not have the constitutional power to dissolve the commission and are seeking a ruling that declares the publication unconstitutional and void.
Among their demands, the claimants seek an order to reinstate them to their positions, arguing that their appointments, made on October 15, 2024, are still valid.
They contend that their tenure, which is guaranteed by Section 201(1) of the 1999 Constitution, cannot be terminated without due process.
Additionally, they are requesting that the court restrain the defendants from interfering with their duties until their term expires.
They also seek to be paid all their salaries, allowances, and benefits from the time of their removal until the end of their tenure, as well as general damages of ₦250 million for the abrupt and unjust termination of their appointments.