The governor of Edo State Monday Okpebholo has dismissed the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie, from his cabinet.
the development comes shortly after the governor swore in a new set of commissioners.
Osagie, one of the first officials appointed when Okpebholo assumed office, was not listed among the newly sworn-in commissioners.
Although the government did not formally announce the sack, there had been growing talks about his possible exit following the nomination of Prof. Roland Otaru as a new commissioner.
In addition to the dismissal, Governor Okpebholo expanded the number of ministries in the state from 21 to 28.
A statement from the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, explained that the restructuring was part of efforts to align the state’s SHINE Agenda with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The expansion, according to the government, was aimed at improving coordination, boosting efficiency, and strengthening the capacity of the administration to meet the needs of the people.
In the new arrangement, some commissioners were reassigned to different ministries.
Paul Ohonbamu, who previously headed the Ministry of Information and Strategy, was moved to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Prince Kassi Afegbua now oversees Information and Strategy, while Omoh Anabor was placed in charge of Business, Trade and Investment
Others include Dr. Jerry Uwangue at Agriculture and Food Security, Prof. Omorodion Ignatius Ikponwosa at Livestock Development, and Barr. Nosa Adams at Environment and Sustainability. Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole and Dr. Paddy Iyamu retained their positions in the Ministries of Health and Education, respectively.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy currently has no commissioner assigned to it.
Reacting to his removal, Samson Osagie thanked Governor Okpebholo for the opportunity to serve, describing his time in office as a valuable experience.
