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Tag: Edo

  • Okpebholo, PDP trade words over insecurity in Edo

    Okpebholo, PDP trade words over insecurity in Edo

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Edo State Government have traded words over insecurity in the state.

    This followed release of Miss Aisha Wahab,who was kidnapped in Auchi and held captive by kidnappers for over almost one month.

    Aisha was released after N20m was allegedly paid as ransom.

    The Edo PDP accused the administration of Governor Okpebholo of sleeping while Edo citizens and groups intervened through moral and financial support.

    It said Governor Okpebholo abandoned what it termed “solid and time-tested security architecture established by former Governor Godwin Obaseki” and opted for a “path of destruction, dismantling tested systems through propaganda, disinformation, and unrelenting partisanship driven by sheer pettiness and malice.”

    Spokesman for the Edo PDP, Dan Osa-Ogbegie, in a statement, urged Governor Okpebholo to stop the charade, abandon propaganda, and get to work. 

    “Governance is not theatre; it is sacred duty. Edo people deserve security, dignity, and protection, not excuses.”

    But Edo Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Kassim Afegbua, said security tactics don’t allow for noise and fulmination, especially when kidnapping was involved. 

    Read Also: Okpebholo promises to protect oil pipelines

    According to him: “What the PDP wanted the Governor to do was to behave in a most ludicrous manner, and apply cheap propaganda in the process, and then sing on television and social media platforms about Aisha Wahab.

    “That would have been most counter-productive. The security agents and our crack team of detectives, applied all that was necessary and propitious to geo-locate her, then followed through on all the leads, and ensured that she was released unscathed. Those who are trying to take advantage of such a condemnable act to score cheap political points, may very well be the architects of kidnapping activities in Edo state. 

    “The current Edo State Governor is doing very well in the critical sectors of the Edo economy.

    “The opposition PDP is hereby reminded that security issues cannot be used for popularity contest. We are not duty bound to expose the discrete process that was employed to secure Aisha’s release; and we are proud and happy, that we secured her release.”

  • Edo sends 18 HOLGAs on compulsory leave

    Edo sends 18 HOLGAs on compulsory leave

    Edo State Government has asked Heads of Local Government Administration (HOLGA) in the 18 local governments to embark on compulsory leave.

    The leave is expected to last for 30 days.

    Chairman, Edo State Local Government Service Commission, Kabiru Adjoto, said the directive was to allow thorough assessment for improved administrative operation at the local government level.

    He spoke while briefing reporters on the outcome of his visit to the 18 local governments.

    Adjoto directed the affected HOLGA to hand over to Directors of Administrative and General Services.

    The former Speaker said the commission uncovered 382 shadow files, while 132 files of retired personnel were not found.

    He said: “The measure has become necessary to allow for thorough assessment for improved administrative operation at the local government level.

    Read Also: Ododo to Oyebanji: you’ve demonstrated capacity

    “We want to ensure a fair and objective review of posting, staff deployment and record management practices. Our focus is to encourage transparency and restore confidence in the local government system.

    “Our task is very clear. To positively reposition the workforce of the local government in such a way that dividends of democracy trickle down to the grassroots.

    “We want to make sure things work well. Governor Okpebholo wants to ensure development trickle to the grassroots. It is our duty to take this decision.”

  • Edo sends 18 HOLGAs on compulsory leave

    Edo sends 18 HOLGAs on compulsory leave

    Edo State Government has sent Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA) in the 18 local government areas to embark on compulsory leave.

    The compulsory leave is expected to last for 30 days.

    Chairman, Edo State Local Government Service Commission, Hon Kabiru Adjoto, said the directive for the HOLGAs to go on compulsory leave was to allow for thorough assessment for improved administrative operation at the local government level.

    Adjoto spoke while briefing journalists on the outcome of his visit to the 18 local government councils.

    He directed the affected HOLGAs to immediately hand over to Director of Administrative and General Services.

    The former Speaker said the commission uncovered 382 shadow files while 132 files of retired Arepersonnel were not found.

    According to him: “The measure has become very necessary to allow for thorough assessment for improved administrative operation at the local government level.

    Read Also: Reps to Edo, Delta govts: resolve boundary crisis through dialogue

    “We want to ensure a fair and objective review of posting, staff deployment and record management practices. Our focus is to encourage transparency and restore confidence in the local government system. 

    “Our task is very clear. To positively reposition the workforce of the local government in such a way that dividends of democracy trickle down to the grassroots.

    “We want to make sure things work well. Okpebholo wants to ensure development trickle to the grassroots. It is our duty to take this decision.”

  • Edo group rejects court ruling on Ipoje titles

    Edo group rejects court ruling on Ipoje titles

    • Judgment ‘distorts Igarra custom’

    From Osagie Otabor, Benin

    A socio-cultural advocacy group in Igarra, Edo State and in the Diaspora,  Eziobe Think Tank has faulted the recent judgment of the High Court sitting in Igarra, which reportedly nullified several traditional titles conferred by Clan heads.

    The group described the decision as a “temporary distortion of custom and a judicial overreach into the sacred precincts of tradition and communal heritage.”

    The ruling, delivered on Monday, October 13, 2025, by Justice E.A. Okoh in suit No: HIG/3/2025, arose from a case filed by HRH. Emmanuel Adeche Saiki, the Otaru of Igarra, challenging the authority of HRH. Aliu Ogbodo Suleiman, the Otu of Igarra, and 10 others, for allegedly conferring Ipoje chieftaincy titles without approval from the “Prescribed Authority.”

    Justice Okoh held that the Otu of Igarra and his co-defendants acted without lawful authority, ruling that only the Otaru of Igarra possesses the recognized power to approve or bestow such traditional titles within Igarra and Akuku clans.

    The court consequently set aside all titles conferred and issued a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from further exercising such powers.

    But in its reaction the Eziobe Think Tank, said the judgment undermines communal harmony and centuries-old traditions that define the identity of the Igarra people.

    In a statement by the group’s Director General, Mr. Tony Ali, the body argued that the decision “attempts to judicially rewrite the heritage of a people” and warned that “customs and traditions cannot be subjected to the same legal tests as contracts or commercial disputes.”

    “For centuries, the Igarra people have operated under a complex but balanced traditional system where clans, age grades, and family heads retain their rights to honour distinguished sons and daughters with symbolic recognitions, including the Ipoje titles,” the statement reads.

    “This practice long predates the current reign and has never required ‘approval’ from a single individual styled as ‘Prescribed Authority.’ To now reduce this communal heritage to a personal prerogative is to misunderstand our culture in its entirety.”

    The group said that the Ipoje tradition is rooted in unity and merit, often serving as a tool for recognizing service, peacebuilding, and contributions to community development, not as a challenge to royal authority.

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    Calling the judgment “a handshake beyond the elbow,” the statement added, “Asking a people to surrender their ancestral right to honour their own to one man is akin to asking a father to hand over his newborn child to an enemy for naming. It is unthinkable and unacceptable in any civilized society.”

    While reaffirming their respect for the judiciary, the group maintained that the court’s decision strayed beyond its jurisdiction, venturing into matters “best left to the conscience of tradition and the wisdom of elders.”

    Ali said that the defendants, including the Otu of Igarra and others affected by the decision, would pursue an appeal, expressing confidence that “a higher court will correct what is clearly a misinterpretation of the spirit of communal self-expression and cultural autonomy.”

    He urged all citizens of Igarra to remain peaceful and law-abiding, cautioning against inflammatory reactions or disrespect toward the traditional institution, noting that “this is a matter for the courts, not the streets.”

    “Justice must not only be done but must be seen to protect both the written law and the unwritten spirit of our people’s traditions,” the group said.

    “Our customs belong to us all, not to one man. Culture cannot be confiscated by decree, nor can heritage be annulled by judgment.”

    The statement concluded by reaffirming faith in the rule of law and the enduring resilience of the Igarra people’s heritage.

    “We believe that in the fullness of time, truth will stand. The Ipoje title, and what it represents honour, merit, and unity, will continue to thrive in the hearts of our people.”

  • 19 Edo commissioners sworn in

    19 Edo commissioners sworn in

    Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has sworn in 19 commissioners.

    He urged them to key into his administration’s policy to prove to the world that a new Edo has risen.

    The newly sworn in commissioners are Vincent Uwadia, Etin-osa Ogbeiwi, Saturday Idehen, Charity Amayaenvbo, Nosa Adams, Yakubu Oshiorenua, Felix Akhabue, Prof. Omorodion Ignatius and Ohimai Ehijimetor.

    Others are Eugenia Abdallah, Godwin Eshieshi, Prince Kassim Afegbua, Dr. Jerry Uwangue, Mr. John Akhigbe, Festus Ebea, Dr Elizabeth Ebosele, Dr Jerry Uwangue, Dr Kenneth Ihensekhien and Usenbo Ehigie.

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    Governor Okpebholo also sworn in chairmen and members of Edo State Bursary and Scholarship Board, Senior Secondary Education Board, Edo State Law Reform Commission, Edo State Lottery Regulatory Commission and Edo State Ecological Funding and Management Commission.

    He said his administration remained committed to repositioning the state for development.

    Okpebholo has urged his commissioners and special advisers to always wear the Asiwaju mandate cap, as a practical way of showing their support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    He said any commissioner that failed to wear the cap would not be allowed into the State Executive Council meeting.

    The governor spoke in Benin City after the swearing-in of 19 commissioners and members of boards of agencies and commissions.

  • Edo constitutes carnival planning committee

    Edo constitutes carnival planning committee

    Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo has formally constituted the Edo Carnival Planning Committee, tasking it with the responsibility of organizing a befitting cultural event for the state.

    According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, the committee’s mandate includes developing a comprehensive event plan, working closely with the Lead Organisers, Peak Rendezvous Entertainment Global Ltd, and ensuring effective collaboration with stakeholders in the entertainment industry both within and outside the state.

    The committee will be chaired by the Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Emmanuel Okoebor, and includes key government officials and stakeholders drawn from various sectors.

    Read Also: Edo APC leaders pass vote of confidence on Okpebholo

    Other members are Hon. Dr. Paddy Iyamu, Commissioner for Education; Hon. Osiobughie Okhuemoi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity; Mr. Jackson Isangofon Monday, Special Adviser on New Media and Visual Communications; Deborah Okunbo, Managing Director of the Edo State Public Procurement Agency; and Mosis Obakpolor, Director of Protocol at the Government House, who will serve as the committee’s secretary.

    Additionally, the committee is expected to secure sponsorships from individuals and corporate organisations and to represent the interests of the Edo State Government throughout the planning and execution of the carnival.

    The formation of the committee marks a significant step in the state’s ongoing efforts to promote tourism, culture, and creative enterprise through large-scale events such as the Edo Carnival.

  • Akpabio swears in two newly elected Senators from Edo, Anambra

    Akpabio swears in two newly elected Senators from Edo, Anambra

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday administered the oath of office to two newly elected senators.

    They are Barrister Joseph Ikpea, representing Edo Central under the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Emmanuel Nwachukwu Chibuzor, representing Anambra South on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

    Both lawmakers emerged victorious in the recent by-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fill existing vacancies in their respective districts.

    Ikpea replaced Senator Monday Okpebholo, who is now the Governor of Edo State, while Chibuzor took the seat left vacant following the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, the former representative of Anambra South.

    READ ALSO; Why I stepped aside, by Nnaji

    The acting Clerk to the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, administered the oath of office and oath of allegiance on both Ikpea and Chibuzor after which both of them proceeded to shake hands with the Presiding Officer, Akpabio, and submitted their certificates of return issued to them by the INEC.

    Dignitaries who witnessed the swearing-in session included the former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori, former Deputy Governor of Edo State and present Director General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Philip Shuaibu, an elder brother to the Edo Central Senator, Dr. Lee Ikpea and the Commissioner for Justice in Edo State, Hon Samson Osaigie.

  • Edo govt shuts fuel station over expired fire extinguishers

    Edo govt shuts fuel station over expired fire extinguishers

    Edo State Petroleum Task Force in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government has sealed off NIPCO Filling Station on Upper Sakponba Road, for having expired fire extinguishers.

    The filling station was shut about 9am yesterday.

    Leader of the task force, Ehichoya Joshua, said all fire extinguishers at the station were found to have expired since 2024.

    He said management of the fuel station had been warned several times to replace them, but they were adamant.

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    He said: “We came here this morning and found out that the fire extinguishers at this station have expired since 2024.

    “They have been begging and we have cautioned them on the need to replace them.

    “It is disastrous not to have fire extinguishers in this facility that shares proximity with residential buildings. We are sealing off the station until the right thing is done.”

    Management of the station declined comments.

  • Fuel still sells for N900 in Edo

    Fuel still sells for N900 in Edo

    Weeks after the Dangote Refinery commenced free fuel distribution across the country, the pump price of petrol has remained as high as N900 per litre in Edo State.

    The refinery had earlier announced that fuel prices in Edo would drop to N851 per litre following the start of its free distribution initiative nationwide.

    However, checks across petrol stations in Benin City on Monday showed prices ranging between N885 and N900 per litre, with no visible reduction.

    While most station managers declined to comment, some attendants who spoke on condition of anonymity said they were yet to receive any free fuel supply from the Dangote Refinery.

    A commercial driver, Nosa Igbinosun, expressed disappointment over the situation, saying he was surprised that stations in Edo had not reduced their prices despite reports that some had received products from the refinery.

    He called on the state Task Force to intervene and ensure that petrol stations benefitting from Dangote’s distribution scheme sell fuel at the approved price.

  • Edo government targets N100b IGR by December

    Edo government targets N100b IGR by December

    Edo State Government said its deployment of technology and innovation would help it to meet targeted N100billion in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) by December ending.

    It said it had made gains in the area of increasing the state IGR and being able to manage some of the challenging issues with tax evasion and tax avoidance.

    Executive Chairman of Edo Internal Revenue Services (EIRS), Otunba Bamidele Bankole-Balogun, in an interview, said the state was making steady progress through audit processes, assessments and good use of the courts.

    He said the state’s IGR at the end of August was N74billion and had hit N79billion at press time.

    Bankole-Balogun said the Governor Monday Okpebholo administration inherited a virtually non-existent digitalised system.

    The EIRS boss said his team was working assiduously to digitalise revenue collections in Edo State such that in future, cash collections and manual collections would be reduced to the barest minimum.

    He said: “At the moment, Edo State Internal Revenue Service is making tremendous gains in the area of increasing the state’s IGR. There are many components to our taxation and each and every part of this mix is seeing significant improvement as compared to last year in review.

    “There are other companies that are lined up and individuals lined up somewhere. It has been traditionally difficult, as you say, to come to grips with high net worth individuals. They have all the resources to evade and avoid tax, but we’re on top of it.”

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    He expressed the state’s preparedness for the new tax regime from January 1, 2026.

    “As you know, the new tax regime that will come in on the 1st of January 2026 places very little emphasis on the low income and places a lot of emphasis on the high income. Our objective is to tap into the high net worth individuals who are able to pay much more than the lower income, so as to harness that group and maximise the potential from the group.

    “Digitalisation is on top of it. Tax bodies are on top of it. The FIRS, which will now be the Federal Revenue Service, is also on top of it. Edo State Internal Revenue Service is also on top of it. Technology will help and as you know TINs, BDNs and NINs are going to be critical to doing any financial transaction in Nigeria from the 1st of January. So all of these mechanisms put together, hopefully, will help us to get more from these people who can pay more actually to give everybody a better life.”