Edo Residents Lament Governor Okpebholo’s Delay in Constituting Full Cabinet

Eight months after taking office, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has appointed only a handful of commissioners, a situation many residents describe as both shocking and disappointing. Okpebholo, who was sworn in on November 12, 2024, following his victory in the September 21, 2024, governorship election, has so far named just six commissioners to his cabinet.

Political analysts have expressed concern that instead of adopting a proactive style of governance, Okpebholo seems to be following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, and former President Muhammadu Buhari, both of whom were criticized for taking almost a year to constitute their cabinets. During Obaseki’s second term, the All Progressives Congress (APC) frequently criticized him for similar delays in appointing commissioners.

Stakeholders argue that, given the APC’s previous criticisms of such delays, Okpebholo’s government should have set a new precedent by swiftly forming a full cabinet. Prominent voices in Edo politics, including Enahoro Iyemefokhai, have expressed disappointment over the situation, calling on the governor to take decisive action.

Residents and activists such as Comrade Tony Erha, Leftist Agho Omobude, Mr. Johnbull Osagie, and Eric Obi have also urged the governor to constitute the full State Executive Council. They pointed to the examples of Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, who, just days after assuming office on January 27, 2025, swore in 19 commissioners on January 31, 2025, and Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who constituted a 16-member Executive Council less than five months after his swearing-in on February 24, 2025.

The slow pace of forming a full cabinet, residents say, could hinder the implementation of policies and developmental plans for the state, and they are calling on Governor Okpebholo to act without further delay.