A Benin City-based socio-cultural organization, Aigbedo Progressive Alliance (APA), expressed concerns on Thursday over Governor Monday Okpebholo’s recent appointments in Edo State, urging for increased representation of Edo South in his administration.
Governor Okpebholo, who assumed office on Tuesday, appointed Barrister Musa Ikhilor as Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Samson Osagie as Attorney-General, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole as Health Commissioner-designate, and Fred Itua as Chief Press Secretary (CPS).
The APA, highlighting Edo South’s population and resources, claimed these appointments reflect an agenda to marginalize the district.
“We are constrained to remind you, as you are undoubtedly aware, that your administration has begun on a note of vendetta against Edo South political stakeholders,” APA President Engr. Carl Uyiosa Otokiti stated.
“Edo South, the most populated senatorial district with critical natural resources, received only one ministerial slot, equating it with Edo North.”
Otokiti’s statement continued: “We are a Benin ethnic nationality organization, aiming to advance the rapid development of the Benin nation through constructive engagement with relevant stakeholders in Nigeria and overseas.”
APA criticized the governor’s initial appointments, citing that while the first two posts were allocated to Edo Central—Edo’s smallest senatorial district—the remaining two were split between Edo North and Edo South.
Otokiti emphasized that Edo South’s appointee, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, being the son of Adams Oshiomhole, indicates a political favoritism that does not serve the interests of Edo South’s people.
“Of the four appointees, only Samson Osagie is based in Edo; the remaining three were absent from your campaign efforts. This diverges from your promise to involve Edo-based tacticians in governance,” Otokiti added.
The APA’s statement reflects a growing sentiment within Edo South for fair and proportional representation in the new administration, as well as a demand for transparency in decision-making.
