Edo Governor Suspends Oil and Gas Adviser Over Unauthorized Fundraising

Benin City Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has suspended his Special Adviser on Oil and Gas, Felix Osemwengie Isere, over allegations of unauthorized fundraising linked to a forthcoming oil and gas summit.

The suspension, which was made public on Tuesday through a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor, also includes an immediate halt to the planned summit, which was scheduled to commence on August 7.

According to the statement, the adviser acted without official approval in soliciting funds for the event. As a result, Governor Okpebholo has ordered Isere to refund all monies collected from donors.

“Prospective donors are hereby advised to cease all engagements with the suspended adviser,” the statement read.

The development has cast uncertainty over the organization of the summit, which was expected to attract key industry players and investment interests to the state.