Mass Resignations Rock Edo State Government as Governor Issues Directive
In a significant political development, Edo State has witnessed a wave of resignations from top government officials following a directive from Governor Monday Okpebholo. The All Progressives Congress (APC) governor has mandated that all political appointees and civil servants who intend to contest in upcoming elections must resign from their positions by Sunday, March 1st, 2026.
Key Officials Who Have Resigned
The most prominent resignations include Washington Osifo, the Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, who has stepped down from Governor Okpebholo's cabinet. Osifo is reportedly seeking to contest for the Uhunmwode/Orhionmwon federal constituency seat, which is currently occupied by Hon Billy Osawaru.
Additionally, Plus Alile, the Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Okpebholo, has also resigned. Alile is aiming to contest for the Egor/Ikpoba-Okha federal constituency seat in the forthcoming elections.
Other political appointees who have tendered their resignations include:
- Terry Igiebor, a member of the Edo State Audit Commission
- Osaze Igbinovia, a member of the board of the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission
Governor's Directive and Political Implications
According to reports from The Nation, these resignations are in direct compliance with Governor Okpebholo's directive. The governor's order requires all political appointees and civil servants who are seeking elective positions to resign by the specified deadline, ensuring a clear separation between their current administrative roles and future political ambitions.
This move is seen as part of broader political realignments within the APC-controlled state as the 2026 election cycle approaches. The resignations create vacancies that will need to be filled, potentially leading to significant changes in the state's administrative structure.
Recent Appointments and Administrative Changes
Interestingly, this wave of resignations comes shortly after Governor Okpebholo announced six new appointments to key roles within his administration. These appointments, which took effect from Friday, November 15, 2024, were described by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor, as part of the governor's commitment to selecting experienced professionals to advance Edo State's development agenda.
In another recent administrative change, Governor Okpebholo removed Fred Itua from his position as Chief Press Secretary (CPS) and appointed Akhere Patrick Ebojele as the new CPS. The former CPS will await reassignment to a new role, which will be communicated in due course.
The simultaneous occurrence of new appointments and mass resignations suggests a period of significant transition within the Edo State government as Governor Okpebholo reshapes his administration ahead of the upcoming political season.
