Tensions were high at the Oredo local government area secretariat in Benin City, Edo State, as suspected thugs prevented the council chairman, Hon Tom Obaseki, from gaining access to his office.

It was learnt the council chairman was prevented from entering his office as the hoodlums who were armed with weapons chanted war songs.

The council boss, who had just resumed work in the morning, was forced to retreat after the thugs placed themselves in strategic locations at the secretariat.

Relating his ordeal with journalists, Obaseki said: “I came here to continue my work as elected chairman of Oredo local government. I met a whole lot of thugs who have already overtaken the council.

“This is a very disturbing trend. We are calling on the security agencies to arrest the situation. What is important is that we have a restraining order.”

The development comes after the Edo State High Court nullified his suspension alongside 17 other council chairmen on Friday.

The 18 council chairmen and their deputies were suspended by the Edo State House of Assembly after a petition was filed by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

Okpebholo had accused them of gross misconduct and insubordination.

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