In a decisive step toward advancing Edo State’s development agenda, Governor Monday Okpebholo on Monday inaugurated a new crop of leaders, including the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), six Commissioners, and the heads of critical state commissions.
The chief press secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua in a statement indicated that the ceremony, which held the New Festival Hall in Benin City, marked a significant milestone in Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to reshaping Edo State’s governance framework for greater efficiency and impact.
Governor Okpebholo, addressing the appointees, emphasized the importance of their roles in delivering on the administration’s promises to the people of Edo State.
He charged them to prioritize teamwork, integrity, and innovation as they step into their new offices.
“Today, we reaffirm our commitment to the people of Edo State. This team has been carefully selected to help us accelerate development. Your task is not just to serve but to inspire hope, deliver results, and leave a legacy of excellence.”

The governor administered the oath of office on the new chairman of SUBEB, Onomen Goodness Briggs, six Commissioners in the personalities of, Sir Lucky Eseigbe, Hon. Paul Nosayaba Ohonbamu, Dr. Emmanuel Paddy Iyamu,Hon. Dr. Washington Osa Osifo, Mr. Andrew Ijegbai and Barr. Marie Olabisi Idaomi.
The statement indicated that specific portfolios for the new Commissioners will be announced shortly.

Other appointees who were also sworn in included EDSIEC Chairman,Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, EDSOGPADEC Chairman, Francis Osaretin Osabuohien and the SSEB Chairman, Omozane Ebanehita Sonia
Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated officials, Hon. Paul Nosayaba Ohonbamu expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, pledging their collective dedication to advancing the state’s development goals.
“We are honoured by this trust, and we assure the people of Edo State that we will deliver practical and impactful governance.”
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, including Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Gani Audu, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Samson Osagie, former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Phillip Shaibu and the immediate-past APC State Chairman, Col. David Imuse (Rtd.) Among others.
The event concluded with a renewed sense of optimism for the state’s future, as Governor Okpebholo’s administration continues to strengthen the foundation for sustainable development.

A socio-economic advocacy group, the Onitsha Zone Shareholders’ Association, has raised alarm over alleged plans by Afrinvest, a company linked to former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, to orchestrate a ₦100 billion bond deal involving Okomu Oil Palm and Presco PLC. The group claims the bonds are part of a scheme to convert them into personal shares.

Led by its chairman, Bishop Goodluck Akpore, the association made these allegations during a protest visit to Governor Monday Okpebholo at the Edo State Government House in Benin City.

During the visit, Bishop Akpore expressed concerns over the economic implications of the alleged scheme on Edo State and its communities. He presented a detailed report accusing Obaseki of using Afrinvest to manipulate bond transactions involving the companies.

The report also criticized Presco PLC for failing to compensate host communities for the 36,388 hectares of land acquired for their operations and alleged collusion between the companies and Obaseki’s administration to evade taxes.

“A trailer load of palm oil leaving Edo State for Lagos is valued at around ₦80 million,” Akpore said. “Yet, these companies neither remit taxes nor compensate the communities whose lands they freely use.”

The group further highlighted the companies’ lack of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects, despite significant profits, and accused them of depriving Edo State of economic benefits.

In response, Governor Okpebholo assured the group of his administration’s commitment to protecting the interests of Edo citizens. He pledged to investigate the allegations thoroughly, emphasizing that any wrongdoing would be addressed.

“We will seek a peaceful resolution and invite Presco and Okomu Oil Palm to a meeting to discuss these issues,” Governor Okpebholo said. “While we appreciate their contributions to the State’s economy, they must fulfill their responsibilities to the host communities and ensure fair contributions.”

The Governor also acknowledged recent protests over the companies’ operations and reiterated the importance of dialogue in resolving conflicts.

The Onitsha Zone Shareholders’ Association, known for monitoring corporate activities in Edo, Delta, and other states, emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the dealings of Okomu Oil Palm and Presco PLC.

After a four-year battle with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC), Edo State chapter, has reclaimed its secretariat at 59, Airport Road, Benin City,.
The property had been under PDP control since 2021, following a controversial takeover allegedly orchestrated by the then-Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Addressing the media shortly after the takeover, APC State Chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, described the development as a fulfillment of his pledge to restore the party’s rightful properties and position in the state.
“This secretariat has always been the APC’s office. We renewed the rent for seven years before it was unlawfully taken from us by the PDP, with the support of the previous administration,” Tenebe said. “Today, justice has been served, and we are taking back what rightfully belongs to the APC.”
Recounting the events leading up to the takeover, Tenebe alleged that Governor Obaseki, after defecting to the PDP, used state machinery to evict APC members from the secretariat, confiscating party properties and vehicles.
“Despite a directive from the Inspector General of Police at the time for us to reclaim the property, the then-Commissioner of Police, acting on orders from Governor Obaseki, blocked our efforts,” he added.
Tenebe, who assumed leadership of the APC in Edo State, vowed to redress these wrongs. “I promised to reclaim this state for the APC and recover all properties taken from us. With the election of Senator Monday Okpebholo as governor, we fulfilled the first promise. Today, we fulfill the second by reclaiming our secretariat.”
The takeover was marked by the allocation of offices and plans to remodel the building in APC colors.
Tenebe assured party members that the APC would resist any attempt to reclaim the property by vested interests.
“We will ensure this secretariat is remodeled and functions fully as the APC’s operational headquarters. No one will displace us again,” he asserted.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Ben Abang, visited the premises alongside senior officers to observe the situation and interact with APC executives.
The presence of law enforcement underscored the sensitivity of the reclaiming process.
Meanwhile, Edo PDP Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, who was at the premises during the takeover, was escorted out by the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku.
With the secretariat reclaimed, the APC in Edo State appears poised for a renewed chapter of leadership and organization.
The development further cements the party’s foothold following its recent electoral victory in the state.
“This is a victory for justice and the APC,” Tenebe concluded. “Today, we reaffirm our commitment to the people of Edo State and our determination to lead with integrity and purpose.”