Political tension is rising in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State following a formal move by elected councillors to remove the Chairman of the Council, Hon. Dagidi Andaye, over allegations that strike at the heart of public trust, governance, and accountability.
At the centre of the unfolding drama is a notice of impeachment submitted by the Bomadi Legislative Arm to the Delta State House of Assembly, accusing the Chairman of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and the misappropriation of public funds. The notice, dated January 5, 2026, was officially received by the State Assembly on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, and is expected to be debated when plenary resumes.
For many residents of Bomadi, the development is more than a political process; it is about how public resources are managed and whether those entrusted with power can be held accountable.
According to the impeachment notice, fifteen of the twenty elected councillors endorsed the resolution seeking the Chairman’s removal, meeting the two-thirds majority required by law. Copies of the document were also served on Hon. Andaye and the Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, signalling the seriousness of the action.
The councillors accused the Chairman of what they described as reckless and unconstitutional spending of council funds, actions they said violated both his oath of office and the Delta State Local Government Law.
One allegation that has drawn particular attention is the claim that Hon. Andaye allegedly forged the signatures of councillors to secure an ₦800 million loan from Zenith Bank without the approval of the legislative house. If proven, the allegation raises questions about financial oversight and the safeguards meant to protect public funds at the grassroots level.
Beyond financial issues, the impeachment notice paints a picture of deepening institutional conflict within the council. The lawmakers alleged that the Chairman governed in a high-handed manner, including the use of local government vigilantes and suspected thugs to intimidate councillors and residents. They also claimed that the legislative chambers were once locked to prevent lawmakers from carrying out their duties, an action they described as an assault on the democratic process.
The councillors further alleged that the Chairman appointed aides not recognised by law and secretly paid them from council funds. They also accused him of awarding contracts that were neither budgeted for nor approved by the legislature, alleging that some of the projects were diverted for personal benefit.
Citing Section 31(1) of the Delta State Local Government Law, the lawmakers noted that a council chairman may be removed for misconduct, breach of the law, or violations relating to oath-taking and asset declaration. Acting under Section 31(2) of the same law, they said they resolved to forward the recommendation for removal to the Delta State House of Assembly.
“We, the undersigned councillors, allege that the Chairman has committed acts which are in breach of his oath of office,” the notice stated. “We therefore recommend his removal from office.”
As the impeachment process against the Chairman unfolds, the Bomadi Legislative House has also been rocked by internal changes. On the same day the impeachment notice was signed, the House announced the impeachment and indefinite suspension of its former Leader, Hon. Wurukeseiye Doubra, over allegations of misconduct, abuse of office, misappropriation of funds, and the unauthorised signing of a bank loan.
The House said the action was unanimous and followed due process, with the motion moved by Hon. Bariki Godsday and seconded by Hon. Rophina Egbebo. Four other principal officers were also suspended pending further review.
New leaders have since emerged to steer the House through the crisis. Hon. ThankGod Tiriki was named Leader, Hon. Harris Barbar Deputy Leader, and Hon. Isaiah Emmanuel Majority Leader. Hon. Bariki Godsday was appointed Deputy Majority Leader, while Hon. Coleman Dennis and Hon. Komuko Pius emerged as Chief Whip and Deputy Chief Whip respectively.
Explaining their actions, the councillors said the changes were driven by a need to restore confidence, transparency, and accountability in local governance. They also reassured residents that their decisions were taken in the interest of the people of Bomadi.
For now, attention has shifted to the Delta State House of Assembly, which is expected to examine the impeachment recommendation and determine the next steps in accordance with the law. Until then, Bomadi residents watch closely, waiting to see how the allegations, denials, and legal processes will shape the future of leadership in their local government.
