Governor Monday Okpebholo has taken office as Edo State’s 5th civilian governor, unveiling an ambitious five-point agenda focused on security, infrastructure, healthcare, food sufficiency, and education during his inaugural speech on Tuesday.
In his first address as governor, Okpebholo declared war on criminals, emphasizing that his administration would take a firm stance against kidnapping and violent crimes. The governor announced plans to support small businesses and market women through soft loans, signaling a commitment to economic development at the grassroots level.
A significant policy announcement included the establishment of a panel of inquiry to investigate the 2019 controversy surrounding the failure to inaugurate 14 House of Assembly members-elect for the 7th assembly. The governor also pledged support for traditional institutions, specifically backing the federal government’s position recognizing the Oba of Benin as the exclusive owner of returned artifacts that were looted during the 1897 British Colonial invasion. This marks a departure from the previous administration’s stance, which had been in conflict with the Oba over the artifacts’ ownership.
Tinubu Calls for Post-Election Reconciliation
Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration, praised the election as a testament to the people’s will and called for immediate reconciliation to address any post-election tensions. He expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic trajectory, stating that the nation has overcome its most challenging period and is moving toward growth.
“While some may seek to disrupt peace after the will of the people has been expressed, every elected leader has a duty that extends to all, including those who may have voted differently or those who ran against them,” Shettima emphasized during the ceremony.
Okpebholo Appoints Commissioners
The new governor moved swiftly to form his administration, announcing three key appointments immediately after taking office. Musa Ikhilor, a legal professional with over 11 years of experience in legislative matters, was appointed as Secretary to the State Government (SSG). Samson Osagie, a former legislator and private legal practitioner, was nominated as State Attorney General, while Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, son of former governor and current senator Adams Oshiomhole, was named Health Commissioner-designate.
Ikhilor brings significant experience from his role at the National Assembly, where he served as Special Adviser to the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives. His expertise spans legislative drafting, parliamentary administration, and constitutional matters. The attorney general nominee, Osagie, previously served two terms in both the Edo State House of Assembly and House of Representatives, where he held the position of Minority Whip.
Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, the health commissioner nominee, brings medical expertise with his MBBS from Ahmadu Bello University and a Master of Science in Public Health from Tulane University, specializing in Environmental Health, Toxicology, and Disaster Management.
These appointments, which include the immediate confirmation of the SSG and pending legislative approval for the commissioner positions, represent the governor’s first steps toward implementing his development agenda for Edo State. The nominations of Osagie and Oshiomhole are subject to confirmation by the Edo House of Assembly, as announced by Fred Itua, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary.
The inauguration marks a new chapter in Edo State’s governance, with the administration’s success likely to be measured by its ability to deliver on its five-point agenda while maintaining political stability and fostering inclusive growth across the state.
