Edo: Okpebholo effects minor cabinet shake-up for fourth time in 2026

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has again reshuffled his cabinet, redeploying four commissioners in a minor cabinet shake-up.

DAILY POST reports that the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Umar Musa Ikhilor, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in Benin City.

Ikhilor listed the affected commissioners and their new portfolios as Dr Felix Ehiguese Akhabue, who was redeployed from the Ministry of Water Resources to the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development; Barrister Vincent Osas Uwadiae, who was moved from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to the Ministry of Water Resources; Hon. Andrew Momodu, who was moved from the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy back to the Ministry of Oil and Gas Resources; and Prof Omorodion Ikponmwosa, who was moved from the Ministry of Oil and Gas Resources to the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

He said the redeployment, which takes immediate effect, was part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to strengthen governance, enhance service delivery and promote greater efficiency in the management of state affairs.

The governor urged the affected commissioners to bring their wealth of experience and expertise to bear in their respective new portfolios and remain committed to the administration’s SHINE Agenda for the sustainable development of Edo State.

DAILY POST reports that the latest redeployment marks the fourth time the governor has reshuffled his cabinet in 2026.

On January 30, 2026, the governor, in a minor cabinet shake-up, redeployed his Chief of Staff, Chief Gani Audu, to the Ministry of Oil and Gas Resources as commissioner-designate.

Audu’s appointment as commissioner was subject to screening and confirmation by the Edo State House of Assembly, which had not taken place as of the time of filing this report.

He was replaced as Chief of Staff by Hon. Yakubu Oshiorenua Musa, the then Commissioner for Lands and Housing.

Also affected by the January exercise was Barrister Vincent Osas Uwadiae, who was moved from the Ministry of Oil and Gas Resources to the Ministry of Lands and Housing as commissioner.

On April 6, 2026, the governor effected another minor cabinet change by redeploying the Commissioner for Works, Felix Akhabue, to the Ministry of Water Resources.

According to the governor, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works was directed to oversee the affairs of the ministry pending the appointment of a new commissioner.

Since the redeployment of Felix Akhabue from the Ministry of Works to the Ministry of Water Resources, no substantive commissioner has been appointed to the Ministry of Works.

The ministry remains under the supervision of the Permanent Secretary, Engr. John Obanor.

Again, on August 13, 2026, the governor reinstated Prof Omorodion Ignatius Ikponmwosa, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, who was suspended on July 20, 2026, alongside the State Project Coordinator of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (LPRES) Project, Mrs Ikpikhumi Betsy Aghaku, over alleged official infractions.

Ikponmwosa was, however, redeployed to the Ministry of Oil and Gas Resources, while Hon. Ohimai Ehijimetor was moved from the Ministry of Communications to the Ministry of Livestock Development as commissioner.