Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has appointed Barr. Musa U. Ikhilor as Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon. Samson Osagie, PhD, as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, and Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole as Commissioner for Health. The nominations of Osagie and Oshiomhole are set for confirmation by the Edo State House of Assembly.
The nomination of Osagie and Oshiomhole will be confirmed by the Edo State House of Assembly when they are forwarded soon by Governor Okpebholo
Barr. Musa U. Ikhilor, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), born on August 6, 1980, in Benin City, brings a wealth of experience in legislative governance, with over 11 years in legislative drafting, parliamentary administration, and constitutional amendment processes.
An alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, he holds an LL.B and a Master’s degree in Telecommunications Law. Barr. Ikhilor has served as a consultant and adviser in various roles within the National Assembly, including Senior Special Assistant to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and later as Acting Chief of Staff. He is also a Notary Public and Managing Partner at Springfield Legal Consult.

Dr. Samson Osagie, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice:
A private legal practitioner and vice president of the African Bar Association (West African Region), Dr. Osagie has an extensive background in law and governance. With a career spanning over two decades, he has served as Minority Whip in the House of Representatives and a member of the Edo State House of Assembly. He holds degrees in Law, Public Administration, International Relations, and a Doctorate in Political Economy and Development Studies. Known for his legal consultancy work, Dr. Osagie is a prominent figure in the Nigerian legal community.

Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, Commissioner for Health:
Dr. Oshiomhole, a physician and public health expert, began his academic journey at St. Anne’s Primary School and Command Secondary School before earning his MBBS degree from Ahmadu Bello University. His expertise spans environmental health, toxicology, and disaster management, with postgraduate training from Tulane University and Harvard University. He also holds a specialization in Gastroenterology from Queen Mary University, London.

These appointments reflect Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to bringing experienced professionals to drive Edo State’s growth and address its health, legal, and governance needs.

His Excellency Monday Okpebholo has been sworn in as the new governor of Edo State, taking over from outgoing governor Godwin Obaseki after his eight years in office.
The inauguration was held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Tuesday, where Okpebholo and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, took their oaths of office.

The ceremony, which saw dignitaries such as Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo and former governor Adams Oshiomhole in attendance, marked a return of Edo State’s governorship to the APC, following a closely fought election.
Okpebholo emerged victorious with 291,667 votes, defeating PDP’s Asue Ighodalo, who secured 247,274 votes, and Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata, who placed third.

Political analysts attributed Okpebholo’s win to the fractured relationship between Obaseki’s administration and former allies, including Obaseki’s former deputy Philip Shuaibu and influential figures like Oshiomhole.
Despite Obaseki’s backing, the PDP lost its hold on Edo State, with many viewing APC’s return as a reflection of Oshiomhole’s continued influence.

However, the PDP has challenged the election outcome, arguing that the results do not reflect the will of Edo citizens. The party has vowed to contest Okpebholo’s win in court.

Edo State’s youth leaders have lauded the appointment of seasoned journalist Fred Itua Odianosen as the Chief Press Secretary to the state’s Governor-Elect, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo.
The Governor-Elect, who will be inaugurated on November 12, selected Mr. Odianosen for the role based on his professional track record and dedication to Edo State.

In a congratulatory statement, the youth leaders, representing various communities and organizations across Edo State, expressed their confidence in Mr. Odianosen’s capabilities.
Hailing from Irua in Esan West Local Government Area, Mr. Odianosen has previously distinguished himself in journalism, notably as the Assistant Political Editor at The Sun Newspaper, covering the National Assembly.

“We commend His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo, for choosing Mr. Odianosen—a proud son of Edo—as a trusted communicator for the administration,” the statement reads. “His years of experience and dedication to the state make him a worthy appointment.”

The youth leaders encouraged Mr. Odianosen to leverage his expertise to support the Governor-Elect’s vision for a people-centered and progressive Edo. They see his appointment as an opportunity to build stronger connections between the administration and the citizens, fostering transparency and development in the state.

The statement was signed by prominent youth leaders across Edo State, including Mr. Iyamu Osaro Culture, Mr. Solomon Okoduwa, and HRH Uwaifo Orhue Ogiugo, among others, who collectively extended their best wishes for Mr. Odianosen’s success in his new role.
The statement reads, The appointment of Mr. Fred Itua Odianosen as the Chief Press Secretary to Governor-Elect, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo is a welcome development.

On behalf of Edo Youth, we the undersigned Leaders of Youth of Edo State want to heartily congratulate Mr. Fred Itua Odianosen on is well deserved appointment as the Chief Press Secretary to our Governor-Elect, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo who will be sworn-in tomorrow morning, the 12th of November 2024. Similarly, we want to commend His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo for finding Mr. Fred Itua Odianosen worthy as a son of Edo State and indigene of Irua in Esan West Local Government Area who is a seasoned Journalist that has distinguished himself over the years as Assistant Political Editor of the SUN Newspaper and covering National Assembly Proceedings and Activities.

To this end, we want to use this medium to urge Mr. Fred Itua Odianosen to deploy his wealth of experience in view to helping His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo to drive his administration into a purposeful, people-oriented, enviable, progressive and prosperous destination.

Signed:

Mr. Iyamu Osaro Culture

Mr. Solomon Okoduwa

Mr. Osagie Aghatise

Mr. Kelvin Omoruyi

Comrade Ernest Asibor

Mr. Tony Jimoh

Comrade Dickson Igbinogun

Mr. Ben Iyangan

Mrs. Jamilat Amadin

Mrs. Elizabeth Iyagan

Mr. Umegbe Praise

Mrs. Osadolor Grace

Mrs. Ikani Teni Hidayat

Mrs. Lilian Eguavoen

Mr. Uhunoma Ewere

Edokpolo Regina

Mrs. Joy Ebhozele

Mrs. Excellent Idahosa

HRH Uwaifo Orhue Ogiugo

Mr. Imaralu Wisdom

Mr. Ogbe Emokpae

Mrs. Tracy Eghiaruwa

MaryJane Obinna