Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has executed a significant shake-up and expansion of his cabinet, which included the unceremonious dismissal of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie.
The development follows the swearing-in of a new set of commissioners, where Mr. Osagie, one of the first officials appointed under the Okpebholo administration, was conspicuously absent from the list. While the state government did not issue a formal dismissal notice, his exit was effectively confirmed by the nomination of Prof. Roland Otaru as a new commissioner, who is widely expected to assume the Justice portfolio.
Reacting to his removal, Mr. Osagie expressed gratitude to Governor Okpebholo for the opportunity to serve, describing his tenure as a valuable experience.
Cabinet Restructuring and SHINE Agenda
In addition to the cabinet changes, Governor Okpebholo approved a major restructuring that expanded the number of ministries in the state from 21 to 28.
According to a statement from the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Musa Ikhilor, the restructuring aims to align the state’s developmental “SHINE Agenda” with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.” The expansion, Ikhilor noted, is designed to improve coordination, boost administrative efficiency, and strengthen the capacity of the government to meet the needs of the Edo people.
The new arrangement involved the reassignment of several commissioners to different portfolios:
Paul Ohonbamu, formerly of Information and Strategy, was moved to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Prince Kassim Afegbua now oversees the Ministry of Information and Strategy.
Omoh Anabor was assigned the Ministry of Business, Trade and Investment.
Dr. Jerry Uwangue takes charge of Agriculture and Food Security.
Prof. Omorodion Ignatius Ikponwosa heads the Ministry of Livestock Development.
Barr. Nosa Adams was assigned to Environment and Sustainability.
Meanwhile, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole and Dr. Paddy Iyamu retained their positions in the Ministries of Health and Education, respectively. The government noted that the newly created Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy currently remains without an assigned commissioner.
