Tension in Edo as Okpebholo Sacks Aide

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has officially terminated the appointment of Collins Aigbogun as the Special Adviser on Youth Mobilisation.

This decision follows Aigbogun’s recent arrest by police amid ongoing investigations into a violent anti-kidnapping protest that took place in Ekpoma, situated in the Esan West Local Government Area.

The Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, confirmed Aigbogun’s dismissal in a statement released on Friday.

The governor had ordered an inquiry into the protest, which escalated into civil unrest, leading to Aigbogun’s detention during the investigation. At the time of his removal, he remained in police custody.

In light of this change, Governor Okpebholo has appointed Christopher Udobor Iyase as the new Special Adviser on Youth Mobilisation.

Iyase is known for his work with youth and is described as dedicated to improving the welfare and development of young people in the state.

The state government stated that it is committed to maintaining law and order and ensuring accountability in public service, while advancing initiatives for youth engagement across Edo State.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dennis Idahosa, has declared that any attempt to weaken the relationship between him and his principal, Governor Monday Okpebholo, is dead on arrival.

Naija News reports that Idahosa, in a statement made available to journalists in Benin on Friday, described those behind the alleged plot as distractors, noting that they were pained by the practical governance being demonstrated by the administration.

The former member of the House of Representatives advised those attempting to sow seeds of discord between him and Okpebholo to redirect their energies to matters that would add value to the governor’s SHINE Agenda.