Okpebholo reshuffles cabinet, redeploys suspended commissioner to oil ministry
By Ozioruva Aliu, BENIN CITY
The governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo carried out a minor reshuffle in his cabinet as he deployed the recently Commissioner Livestock Development, Professor Omorodion Ikponmwonsa to the Ministry of Oil and Gas.
Ikponmwonsa was suspended on July 19, 2026, alongside the State Project Coordinator, Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (LPRES) Project, Mrs. Ikpikhumi Betsy Aghaku by the governor for alleged “official infraction” but while his suspension lasted, the state government did not provide any further explanation on the nature of the alleged “official infraction.”
A statement by the Secretary to State Government (SSG), Umar Ikhilor stated that two other newly sworn-in commissioners were deployed while Ikponmwosa was redeployed alongside two other old commissioners.
He said the exercise was aimed at strengthening governance, enhancing efficiency and improving service delivery across the State.
The statement listed the newly sworn-in commissioners deployed to include Mr. Iriabekhai Kayode Jeffery (Ministry of Mining), and Mr. Martin Anayochukwu Oli (Ministry of Inter-Ethnic Relations).
“Furthermore, in order to better align responsibilities with the respective skills, experience and competencies of members of the State Executive Council; His Excellency has approved the following redeployments: Mr. Ohimai Ehijimetor, Commissioner for Communications, is redeployed to the Ministry of Livestock Development, Prof. Omorodion Ikponmwosa, Commissioner for Livestock Development, is redeployed to the Ministry of Oil and Gas and Mr. Andrew Momodu, Commissioner for Oil and Gas, is redeployed to the Ministry of Communications.
“The Ministry of Inter-Ethnic Relations is a newly created Ministry established to promote inter-ethnic and inter-community harmony, strengthen peaceful coexistence, and harness the rich and ever-evolving diversity of Edo citizens as an asset for the development and unity of the state.”
All deployments and redeployments, it added, “are with immediate effect:, just as it urged the affected commissioners to ensure seamless handover and assumption of duties in their respective ministries, as the governor “expects all members of the State Executive Council to bring renewed vigour, professionalism and commitment to their respective assignments in furtherance of the administration’s determination to deliver efficient, responsive and people-centred governance to the people of Edo State.”
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