Court Order Ignored? Oshimili North Political Crisis Deepens Amid Harassment Claims
Executive-Legislative Rift Escalates in Oshimili North
A deepening political crisis within the Oshimili North Local Government Council in Delta State has raised fresh concerns about the independence of local government legislatures, respect for judicial authority and the growing role of security agencies in political disputes.
At the centre of the controversy is the Leader of the Oshimili North Legislative Arm, Hon. Jeffrey Mordi, who has alleged persistent intimidation, repeated police harassment and continued arrests despite an interim court order restraining security agencies and other respondents from taking such actions pending the determination of a substantive suit.
The unfolding dispute has become one of the most significant local government political confrontations in Delta State, drawing attention to questions surrounding the separation of powers, legislative autonomy and compliance with judicial orders.
Leadership Change Triggers Political Confrontation
The crisis reportedly began after councillors impeached the former Leader of the House and his deputy over allegations of misconduct, leading to the emergence of Hon. Jeffrey Mordi as the new Leader of the Legislative Arm.
According to sources familiar with the dispute, the former leadership enjoyed the backing of the Executive Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Council, Hon. Innocent Esewezie. Their removal allegedly triggered a prolonged confrontation between the executive and legislative arms of the council.
Sources claim that the disagreement quickly evolved from an internal political disagreement into a wider institutional conflict affecting the functioning of the local government.
Allegations of Intimidation and Suspension
According to sources, the council chairman allegedly initiated a sustained campaign aimed at weakening the new legislative leadership.
The allegations include the suspension of Hon. Mordi from legislative activities, the stoppage of his salaries, allowances and other statutory benefits for more than six months, as well as sustained political pressure intended to compel him to relinquish his position.
The allegations have not been independently verified, and no official response from the council chairman was included in the report.
Legislative Chamber Becomes New Flashpoint
Another major issue in the dispute concerns the reported removal of the roof of the legislative chamber shortly after the leadership change.
Sources alleged that the action rendered the chamber unusable, forcing councillors to conduct legislative sittings under a tree within the council premises in order to continue official business.
During this period, Hon. Mordi reportedly retained custody of the legislative mace—the symbol of legislative authority—to protect it from possible damage or unauthorized use while the chamber remained exposed.
Supporters of the House Leader argue that the decision was purely administrative, while critics reportedly viewed it as part of the larger political disagreement.
Anti-Corruption Petition Adds New Dimension
The political conflict reportedly expanded beyond leadership disagreements after Hon. Mordi petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
According to sources, the petition alleges that the council’s 2025 budget was implemented without the approval of the legislative arm, contrary to statutory procedures.
The matter is said to be before the anti-corruption agency.
Court Intervention and Fresh Controversy
Concerned about his safety, Hon. Mordi approached the High Court sitting in Akukwu-Igbo, seeking protection against alleged intimidation, unlawful arrest and harassment.
Court documents relating to Suit No. AKU/M/1/2026 reportedly show that the court granted an interim order restraining the Executive Chairman, several police officers, the Commissioner of Police, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 5, and the Inspector-General of Police from arresting, detaining or harassing the legislator pending the hearing of the substantive case.
The court also directed all parties to maintain the status quo.
Questions Over Compliance with Judicial Orders
Despite the court order, sources allege that Hon. Mordi has continued to face repeated arrests and harassment.
According to the sources, he has allegedly been arrested on several occasions since the order was granted and was physically assaulted during some of the incidents.
The latest reported arrest has intensified debate over compliance with judicial directives and the protection of elected public officials engaged in political disputes.
Implications for Local Government Democracy
Legal and governance observers say the dispute highlights broader issues affecting local government administration in Nigeria.
Analysts note that prolonged conflicts between executive chairmen and legislative councils often disrupt governance, delay oversight responsibilities and weaken democratic accountability at the grassroots.
As the substantive case proceeds before the court, attention is expected to focus on judicial interpretation of the dispute, the enforcement of court orders and the future working relationship between the executive and legislative arms of the Oshimili North Local Government Council.
