Okpebholo Swears In 19 New Commissioners, Board Members, Heads of Commissions in Edo State

By [Your Name], Benin City
Date: October 14, 2025

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo yesterday officially administered the oath of office to 19 new commissioners, as well as several chairmen and members of key state boards and commissions, in a high-profile ceremony held at the Government House, Benin City. (Trending News)

New Appointments & Roles

Among those sworn in as commissioners are:

• Barr. Vincent Osas Uwadiae
• Etin-osa Ogbeiwi
• Saturday Uwuilekhue Idehen (JP)
• Charity Amayaenvbo
• Barr. Nosa Adams
• Yakubu Oshiorenua Musa
• Felix Akhabue
• Prof. Omorodion Ignatius
• Ohimai Ehijimetor
• Eugenia Abdallah
• Godwin Afekokhe Eshieshi
• Prince Kassim Afegbua
• Dr. Jerry Uwangue
• Mr. John Akhigbe
• Festus Ebea
• Dr. Elizabeth Ebosele
• Dr. Kenneth Okoruwa Ihensekhien
• Omoh Anabor (Trending News)

In addition, Okpebholo inaugurated chairmen and members of state bodies including:

• Edo State Bursary & Scholarship Board
• Senior Secondary Education Board
• Edo State Law Reform Commission
• Edo State Lottery Regulatory Commission
• Edo State Ecological Funding & Management Commission
• Audit Service Commission
• Judicial Service Commission (reconstituted) (Nigerian Observer)

These appointments mark a further consolidation of Okpebholo’s executive team, following his earlier cabinet shuffles. (dailypost.ng)

Expectations, Warnings & Directives from the Governor

In his address, Governor Okpebholo emphasized that these appointments were made on the basis of merit, not political patronage, and called on the appointees to see their roles as service to Edo people rather than a reward. (guardian.ng)

He issued stern warnings against corruption and personal enrichment, stating that the new officials must uphold discipline, teamwork, integrity, and loyalty to the public. (guardian.ng)

Moreover, Okpebholo introduced a somewhat controversial requirement: he directed that commissioners and special advisers wear the “Asiwaju mandate cap” to Executive Council meetings. He warned that attendance would be denied to anyone appearing without it, characterizing the measure as a symbolic show of solidarity with President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign. (The Nation Newspaper)

He also reiterated that the administration’s goal is not propaganda, but “practical governance” — results and improvements that the people can actually feel in their lives. (guardian.ng)

Reactions & Commitment

Responding on behalf of the appointees, Hon. Festus Ebea expressed gratitude to the governor for placing trust in them and pledged commitment to the government’s vision. (guardian.ng)

The ceremony was attended by a host of high-level figures, including:

• The Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa
• The Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Musa Ikilor
• The Chief of Staff, Alhaji Gani Audu
• The Attorney General & Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi (SAN)
• Serving commissioners, special advisers, heads of MDAs, permanent secretaries and other officials (guardian.ng)

What’s at Stake & Observations

1. Strengthening the Executive
   By installing fresh commissioners and reconstituting commissions, Okpebholo is clearly consolidating his administrative machinery. How effective these officials will be in delivering on the governor’s developmental agenda remains a key test.
2. Signals on Anti-corruption
   The strong emphasis on zero tolerance for corruption is a recurring theme in his speech. Whether these declarations translate into structural reforms, consistent oversight, and real accountability will be watched closely by civil society and the citizenry.
3. Political Symbolism
   The “Asiwaju mandate cap” directive introduces a blending of governance and partisan imagery into the Executive Council. That move may be read as an attempt to show alignment with the ruling party’s machinery, but it risks alienating non-political observers or those who see it as coercive.
4. Merit vs. Patronage
   Okpebholo’s repeated insistence that appointments were made on merit will invite scrutiny: observers will look at whether the appointees have requisite qualifications, track records of integrity, competence, and independence or whether political calculations played a dominant role.
5. Deliverables & Public Expectations
   Many in Edo State will judge this new team by results — in infrastructure, education, health, public service delivery, security, and economic opportunities. The success or failure of these appointees may determine political capital for both the governor and his party heading into future elections.

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