Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has relieved Hon. Samson Osagie of his duties as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, replacing him with Prof. Roland Otaru, SAN.
Osagie, one of the first appointees sworn in after Okpebholo assumed office, was conspicuously missing from the list of newly inaugurated commissioners, effectively confirming his removal. Although no official reason was provided for the decision, sources in Government House said the move had been anticipated following Otaru’s nomination.
In addition to the cabinet shake-up, Governor Okpebholo expanded the number of ministries in the state to 28, in what officials described as part of ongoing efforts to align governance with the administration’s SHINE Agenda and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
A statement by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Musa Ikhilor, explained that the restructuring was intended “to ensure seamless alignment of policies, enhance administrative efficiency, improve coordination across critical sectors, and strengthen the capacity of government to deliver effectively on its mandate to the people of Edo State.”
The newly inaugurated commissioners were assigned various portfolios, with notable appointments including:
- Sir Felix Ehiguese Akhabue – Ministry of Works
- Hon. Andrew Ijegbai – Ministry of Mining
- Prince Kassim Afegbua – Ministry of Information and Strategy
- Paul Ohonbamu – redeployed to Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs
- Omoh Anabor – Ministry of Business, Trade and Investment
- Dr. Jerry Uwangue – Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security
- Prof. Omorodion Ignatius Ikponwosa – Ministry of Livestock Development
- Barr. Nosa Adams – Ministry of Environment and Sustainability
- Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole – Ministry of Health
- Dr. Paddy Iyamu – Ministry of Education
- Dr. Lucky Eseigbe – Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development
- Hon. Yakubu Oshiorenua Musa – Ministry of Lands and Housing
- Ohimai Ehijimetor – Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy
- Hon. Etin-Osa Ogbeiwi – Ministry of Science and Technology
- Dr. Washington Osifo – retained in the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation
Interestingly, no commissioner was appointed for the newly created Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy.
Reacting to his removal, Osagie commended Governor Okpebholo’s leadership, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve. “The Governor has done well, and I remain thankful for the privilege to contribute to the administration,” he said.
