14/02/2026
**High Court Adjourns Oshimili North Leadership Crisis Case to February 23, as Legislative-Executive Tensions Escalate**
Akwukwu-Igbo
The High Court in Akwukwu-Igbo has adjourned to February 23, 2026, for a substantive hearing on the deepening leadership crisis within the Oshimili North Local Government Legislative Council. The case, which centres on the legitimacy of the council’s leadership and alleged executive overreach, saw dramatic submissions from both sides today.
At the heart of the dispute is a challenge against a “purported leadership” allegedly installed by the Executive Arm of the local government. Counsel for the claimants—recognising Hon. Jeffery Mordi and Hon. Okonkwo Paul Ekene as the legitimate principal officers—presented two key prayers to the court.
First, they sought an injunction to restrain the executive-installed leadership from parading themselves as the council’s principal officers, thereby allowing the Mordi-led leadership to resume its legislative functions. Second, they requested an order restricting the Executive Arm from interfering in legislative affairs. This includes a specific plea to stop the executive from presenting the 2026 budget without the statutory requirement of a two-thirds majority of councillors present—a move the claimants deem illegal.
The defence, representing the leadership installed by the Executive Chairman’s camp, argued for more time. They contended that the court documents served on them were incomplete and that the matter was brought to their attention on short notice. The court granted their plea, allowing a 7-day period for them to properly review the documents and evidence, which were subsequently served personally in court.
It may interest you to know that since November 2025, four councillors out of the sixteen who signed a successful impeachment motion on November 11 have faced severe punitive measures. These councillors allege they have been systematically denied their salaries, constituency projects, and other entitlements. The claimants interpret this as a clear tactic by the executive to frustrate their fight for what they term “true leadership and good governance.”
The case underscores a critical constitutional crisis at the local government level, highlighting the fragile balance of power between the executive and legislative arms. “No matter how hard the Executive arm tries to fight against the legislative arm of government, it makes the legislature stronger. The Judiciary is the last hope of the legitimate leadership who seeks justice for the lasting good and progress of Oshimili North Local Government.”
The adjournment sets the stage for a crucial hearing on February 23, which is expected to address the incendiary incidents of December 11 that further exacerbated the conflict. All eyes are now on the judiciary to determine the legitimate leadership of the council and to define the boundaries of executive authority in local governance.
The outcome of this case will have significant implications for political accountability, legislative independence, and the welfare of the constituents in Oshimili North.